Texas Trio Arrested in OC Bank Jugging Spree

Three Texas men—Maurice James, Samuel Marcus Polite, and Ja Vion Marcell La Shang Mathews—were arrested and charged in Orange County, California, for a series of vehicle burglaries tied to the nationwide 'bank jugging' trend. The suspects allegedly rented a Ford Expedition, swapped its license plate with a stolen one, and drove through shopping plazas with banks to identify potential victims. Irvine police identified the rented vehicle after two burglaries occurred on July 2 and conducted surveillance on the suspects. Officers witnessed the trio steal a banker’s bag from a car in Seal Beach and arrested them with the stolen bag, fake license plate, burglary tools, a ski mask, and cash. The men face multiple felony charges, including conspiracy, burglary, and possession of stolen property. Authorities are warning the public to be discreet with cash withdrawals and go directly to secure locations after leaving a bank.