Jason Allen Buehler, 35, has been arrested in connection to a string of burglaries on Orcas.
On April 28, Orcas Deputies executed a search warrant on Buehler’s residence. According to Sheriff Ron Krebs, it is believed that recovered evidence ties him to burglaries dating back to December 2021. Buehler was arrested for burglary in the second-degree and transported to the San Juan County Jail, pending an arraignment hearing.
“We believe all of the recent Orcas burglaries are tied together,” Krebs said. “We are working on collecting evidence that will hopefully prove that.”
Over the past few weeks, Orcas Island Artworks, Matia Kitchen and Bar, Clever Cow Creamery, Tide Pool Coffeehouse, Sequel Consignment and Rosario Resort were burglarized. The crimes were committed between the hours of midnight and 5 a.m. Buehler allegedly used prybar tools to gain access to the inside of the businesses, going through doors or windows and taking cash and electronics.
On April 28, the Deer Harbor Marina reported a burglary that occurred in the early morning hours. During the course of the investigation, evidence believed to be from the previous burglaries was located in plain sight inside a vehicle owned by Buehler. This prompted deputies to apply for a search warrant for his car and home.
Buehler is currently facing other charges in San Juan County Superior Court. He was charged with theft in the first degree — property over $5,000, theft of a firearm, residential burglary, two counts of trafficking stolen property in the first degree, possession of stolen property in the first degree and forgery. His arraignment was held on April 25.
Buehler is accused of burglarizing a home in the spring of 2021 and stealing a variety of items with an estimated value of $48,000, some of which he allegedly later pawned; breaking into a car and stealing its contents in November 2021; and forging checks in January 2022.
On Feb. 4, the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office served a search warrant for Buehler’s Eastsound home. Numerous items, including jewelry, power equipment, and a medical first aid kit and supplies were recovered. Buehler was later located and arrested.
Buehler’s previous convictions include criminal trespassing, driving under the influence, malicious mischief, protection order violation, assault, trafficking stolen property, burglary, vehicle prowling, bail jumping, negligent driving and minor in possession in San Juan and Skagit Counties and Anacortes and Bellingham Municipal.
