Man accused of stealing $100,000 in skin grafts, medical supplies from Rancho Mirage hospital

RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. (KABC) -- A Riverside County man is accused of stealing more than $100,000 worth of skin grafts and surgical equipment from a hospital in Rancho Mirage.

Deputies say last month, Jason Brauner, 47, gained access to restricted areas of the facility while dressed as hospital staff.

"Over three separate incidents in June and July 2025, Brauner stole more than $100,000 worth of surgical equipment and skin grafts, wearing blue scrubs and a surgical mask to blend in with hospital personnel and avoid detection," the Riverside County Sheriff's Department wrote in a statement.

On Wednesday, San Diego County Sheriff's deputies located Brauner's vehicle as he was heading to San Diego. They stopped Brauner in Del Mar and detained him without incident.

Deputies searched his vehicle and his home in San Jacinto and recovered stolen medical equipment and stolen hospital apparel.

"Brauner was arrested and booked into the John Benoit Detention Center on multiple charges, including grand theft, commercial burglary, and possession of stolen property," said the department.

Brauner is also linked to similar thefts at hospitals in Loma Linda and Newport Beach, according to investigators.