North Hollywood Man Faces 36 Felony Counts, Over $1.8 Million Bail in Eatery Burglary Spree

Juan Montes, a 26-year-old resident of North Hollywood, has been formally charged with 36 felony counts in connection with a month-long string of commercial burglaries targeting eateries in and around the North Hollywood area. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced the charges, which include 33 counts of second-degree commercial burglary, one count of attempted second-degree commercial burglary, and two counts of felony vandalism. Montes, who police have dubbed the "Mountain Bike Bandit," allegedly carried out the break-ins between October 12 and November 15. He was arrested on November 15 and has since pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Prosecutors allege that Montes rode a bicycle to 36 food establishments across the East San Fernando Valley, primarily during nighttime hours, to commit the burglaries. The alleged crimes often resulted in significant damage to the businesses, in addition to stolen money and property. Authorities found Montes riding a bicycle with burglary tools shortly after four alleged break-ins on the day of his arrest.

Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman emphasized the broader impact of such crimes, stating, > "These repeated break-ins inflict substantial harm on businesses and the communities that depend on them." Hochman added that whether the victimized businesses are part of a chain or a neighborhood staple, "every burglary disrupts operations, threatens workers’ sense of safety and impacts the surrounding community."

Montes is currently being held on a bail of $1,825,000. If convicted on all charges, he faces a potential sentence of more than 26 years in state prison. A preliminary hearing in the case is scheduled for December 8 at the Van Nuys Courthouse, where further details of the prosecution's evidence are expected to be presented.

The case is being prosecuted by the Van Nuys Branch of the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office, with ongoing investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department’s North Hollywood Division. The charges highlight a recent focus on commercial burglaries in the region, with authorities seeking to ensure accountability and protect local businesses.