Sheriff’s detectives have arrested a Carpinteria man in connection with a burglary at a local cannabis cultivation site, after identifying him through distinctive footwear and recovering stolen property.

The investigation began on July 21, 2025, when deputies responded to a report of a burglary that had occurred two days earlier at a cannabis farm in the 5800-block of Via Real. During the break-in, the suspect stole grow lighting, a generator, approximately 30 pounds of cannabis, and a utility terrain vehicle (UTV).

Detectives obtained surveillance video showing the suspect wearing bright orange wrestling shoes. When investigators shared the images with patrol deputies, they recognized the man from prior contacts and identified him as 58-year-old David Stephens of Carpinteria.

On Monday, August 25, 2025, at around 8:30 a.m., detectives located and arrested Stephens in the 3900-block of State Street. At the time of his arrest, he was in possession of burglary tools and a bicycle reported stolen out of Isla Vista.

Stephens was booked at the Santa Barbara County Main Jail on multiple charges, including burglary, grand theft, vandalism, and possession of burglary tools. His bail is set at $502,500.

Most of the property stolen from the cannabis farm is presumed destroyed; however, the stolen UTV has not yet been recovered. The stolen bicycle was returned to the owner.