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1300+A Kern County jury has convicted a man of first-degree residential burglary after he broke into an east Bakersfield home, ate food from the family’s kitchen table, and tried to force his way into a teenage girl’s bedroom while she was hiding inside.
What Happened During the Burglary
According to the Kern County District Attorney’s Office, the jury found Mauro Nain Zepeda Gonzalez guilty on September 16, 2026, of one count of first-degree residential burglary. Jurors also found true a special allegation that a victim was present during the crime.
The incident took place on February 16, 2026, at approximately 10:40 a.m. Bakersfield Police Department officers responded to a call for service in east Bakersfield after a 14-year-old girl reported that an unknown person was inside her home.
The girl told officers she had been in the kitchen just five minutes earlier, and the table was clear. She then retreated to her bedroom, where she heard someone moving through the kitchen, hallway, and bathroom before the intruder attempted to enter her room. She was able to push against her bedroom door and keep him out.
Officers Find Suspect in the Kitchen
Within minutes of the call, officers arrived and found Zepeda Gonzalez standing in the kitchen. A search of the home revealed the kitchen table scattered with food, drinks, and condiments. Zepeda Gonzalez was taken into custody at the scene.
Sentencing
Zepeda Gonzalez is scheduled to be sentenced on October 15, 2026, where he faces up to four years in prison.
Statement From the District Attorney
Kern County District Attorney Cynthia Zimmer addressed the case, stating that everyone deserves to feel safe in their own home and crediting the victim’s quick reporting and the responding officers’ fast action for leading to the conviction.
Protecting Your Family and Your Rights
Home invasions and burglaries can leave families shaken long after the incident itself is over. If you or a loved one has been affected by a break-in, an assault, or another traumatic event in Bakersfield or elsewhere in Kern County, you may be able to pursue a civil claim and seek compensatory damages.
Attorney Jeff is here to help you understand your legal options. Contact our Bakersfield office today and schedule a free consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney today.
About the Author
JEFFREY FAYNGOR, ESQ.
Jeffrey Fayngor is the founder of Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer and an experienced personal injury attorney dedicated to representing accident victims. He earned his J.D. from Whittier College School of Law and has recovered over $120 million for injured clients. He has built his practice around helping injury victims protect their rights and pursue the compensation they deserve.