Marcus Anthony Wright, a 63-year-old Stockton man accused of burglarizing homes in El Dorado Hills' Blackstone community, pleaded not guilty to charges during his arraignment on January 18. Judge Thomas A. Smith, presiding over El Dorado County Superior Court Department 1, has ordered that Wright be held without bail, citing the necessity for the protection of the public and victims.
The charges against Wright are severe, with Judge Smith highlighting their gravity, noting, "These are very serious charges that carry multiple counts (and) 25 years to life." The accusations include four felony counts of first-degree residential burglary, one count of prowling, and one count of possession of burglary tools. These alleged offenses occurred between October and November 2023, as outlined in the criminal complaint filed by the El Dorado County District Attorney's Office.
Adding to the complexity of the case, Wright is suspected of committing these crimes while on state prison parole. His criminal history reveals prior convictions for first-degree residential burglary in 1986 in Alameda County and 1991 in San Mateo County.
The El Dorado County Sheriff's investigators were aided by Blackstone community neighbors, who played a crucial role in identifying Wright as a suspect. This collaboration led to Wright's arrest in Stockton on November 24. However, he was released from jail custody shortly afterward as investigators from the DA's Office gathered more evidence to build a solid case.
Wright was subsequently booked back into jail on January 11, with a pre-preliminary hearing scheduled for January 26. The legal proceedings will continue as authorities work to address the alleged crimes committed in the Blackstone community.
