An auto mechanic pleaded not guilty Jan. 18 to 64 counts of car burglaries and other charges involving thefts from victims in Ocean and Pacific Beach, but the prosecutor told the judge more charges are expected to be filed because of yet-unclaimed property. Bail was set at $410,000 for Curt Lonnie Simnitt, 40, who is charged with 30 counts of car burglaries, 29 counts of receiving stolen property, three counts of using other people’s credit cards and one count each of forgery, grand theft and possession of methamphetamine. Those 64 counts reflect 28 victims whose cars were broken into from “people who parked at beaches all over the county,” said Deputy District Attorney Jalyn Wang. Simnitt was arrested by San Diego Police on Jan. 13 at a motel after serving a search warrant at his apartment, where much of the stolen property was recovered. His community of residence was not disclosed, but Wang said police found surfboards, skateboards, wet suits, wallets, purses, backpacks and watches. According to investigators, Simnitt watched people park their vehicles and observed while some victims hid their key nearby. SImnitt was allegedly then able to use those keys to unload the possessions, though in some instances he reportedly broke into the cars. Wang told San Diego Superior Court Judge David Szumowski more charges will be filed involving an additional 18 victims. She asked for $475,000 in bail, saying Simnitt had developed a plan to escape into Mexico. Additionally, Simnitt already was facing charges in a stalking case filed against him in El Cajon Superior Court, said Wang. That case is unrelated to the thefts, but he is alleged to have committed the new string of crimes while out on $10,000 bond for the stalking matter, she said. Simnitt’s attorney, Ryan Tegnelia, told the judge the charges are “property offenses,” and felt that $200,000 bail is more appropriate. Tegnelia also told the judge Simnitt had worked as an auto mechanic for 15 years and had local ties, although his exact community of residence was not part of court paperwork. A Jan. 31 preliminary hearing is set, but may be delayed if more charges are filed in the interim. Because there is still unclaimed property — which may add to the number of charges pending against Simnitt — property inquiries can be directed to the police department’s Western Division at (619) 692-4800.
