Joseph Hoppa, 40, is now charged with 24 counts of first-degree residential burglary and three counts of attempted first-degree residential burglary, Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office spokeswoman Amy Cornell said. He faces up to 35 years and three months in prison if convicted of all charges.
Police believe Hoppa is responsible for numerous burglaries in San Jose's Cambrian neighborhood, where he lives.
Deputy District Attorney Amir Alem said the case is unusual because of the high number of burglaries committed in a small geographical area, and because many occurred while residents were at home.
The burglaries happened between early July and early this month, police said. Hoppa was arrested Friday.
Police say he entered the homes through an open window or door between the hours of 1:30 a.m. and 4:30 a.m. while residents slept, Officer Enrique Garcia said. He would allegedly steal wallets, purses, cash and other small valuables.
The district attorney's office is not prosecuting the case as a second strike, but that could change, Alem said.
Hoppa will return to court Nov. 14 to enter a plea. He remains in Santa Clara County Jail on no-bail status.
