BREAKING NEWS: A Riverside County man has been arrested for allegedly stealing over $100,000 worth of skin grafts and surgical supplies from a hospital in Rancho Mirage, California. Authorities report that Jason Brauner, aged 47, gained access to restricted hospital areas disguised as staff during three separate incidents in June and July 2025.
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department confirmed that Brauner wore blue scrubs and a surgical mask to blend in with hospital personnel, allowing him to avoid detection while executing the thefts. The shocking details reveal a calculated effort to pilfer vital medical equipment from a healthcare facility.
On Wednesday, deputies from the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office located Brauner’s vehicle as he traveled towards San Diego. They stopped him in Del Mar and detained him without incident. Following the arrest, authorities conducted a search of his vehicle and his residence in San Jacinto, recovering the stolen medical equipment and hospital apparel.
Authorities have charged Brauner with multiple offenses, including grand theft, commercial burglary, and possession of stolen property. He has also been linked to similar thefts at hospitals in Loma Linda and Newport Beach, raising concerns about ongoing security vulnerabilities in healthcare settings.
This incident highlights the urgent need for enhanced security measures in hospitals to protect valuable medical supplies. The implications of such thefts can be dire, potentially jeopardizing patient care and hospital operations.
UPDATE: Brauner is currently being held at the John Benoit Detention Center as investigations continue. Authorities urge anyone with information regarding additional thefts or suspicious activities to come forward.
Stay tuned for more developments as this story unfolds.
