Two Arrested in Burglary of Deceased Truckee Man’s Home
Deputies say property was taken after the 77-year-old owner’s death.
2 min read
TRUCKEE – Two Bay Area residents were arrested on suspicion of burglarizing a Truckee man’s home after his death in October, according to the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office.
Angela “Angie” Louise Damico, 55, of Belmont, and Michael John Robertson, 64, of San Carlos, are suspected of taking property belonging to Eugene “Gene” Canata, 77. The sheriff’s office said firearms, money, and a vehicle were among the items stolen from his home.
The investigation grew out of an effort to protect Canata’s estate. On October 22, the sheriff’s public administrator learned that Canata had died in Washoe County, Nevada, while maintaining his primary residence in Nevada County, California. With no relatives or will immediately located, the office took steps to safeguard his assets and search for heirs.
A public administrator and a deputy checked the Truckee residence that day and discovered the reported burglary, the sheriff’s office said.
Investigators later identified Damico and Robertson as suspects. The office said Damico had personal ties to Canata and claimed to hold his power of attorney, but did not provide paperwork supporting that claim.
On November 5, Nevada County detectives and San Mateo County sheriff’s deputies served search warrants at the suspects’ homes in Belmont and San Carlos. Investigators found property belonging to Canata at both residences, according to the release.
Both were arrested on suspicion of second-degree burglary, conspiracy to commit a crime, vehicle theft, and grand theft, the sheriff’s office said.
The county’s public administrator protects estate property, searches for people entitled to inherit, and handles obligations such as bills and taxes. The sheriff’s office said it will continue protecting Canata’s assets for his rightful heirs.