Maricopa County Sheriff’s detectives have arrested a Phoenix man, 29-year old Keith Benavidez Jr., for a burglary at a Sun City massage parlor that was recorded on a security camera. Video and still photos Benavidez were broadcast and published by media on December 21 and 22, leading to a tip and his capture.
Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) detectives served a search warrant at Benavidez’s home, at 115 East Indian School Road, and he surrendered without incident.
Benavidez has served a prison term for a string of robberies in Phoenix and at the time of his arrest was wanted on an outstanding warrant for failure to appear on a criminal damage charge in Mesa.
Benavidez walked into the massage parlor in Sun City early in the morning of December 14, 2017. A security camera recorded him kicking open a locked door. Inside, he confronted an employee who had responded to the noise. She fled the business and was unharmed. Benavidez stole approximately $805 worth of items including an iPhone, cash and a day planner containing a spare vehicle key.
The following day, an unknown male called the business and asked an employee “Do you need your key?” The employee hung up. The unknown male called back and when the employee answered, the unknown male said, “I have your key.” The employee did not respond and notified MCSO detectives.
After the release of the video on December 21, 2017, detectives received an anonymous tip that identified Benavidez as the burglar. The tipster claimed he was bragging about the incident. The information was taken to Benavidez’s probation officer who identified him as the person recorded by the surveillance camera.
Benavidez is charged with one (1) count of burglary 3rd degree and unlawful entry and (1) count of criminal damage. He is currently still in custody on a $7,700 bond.