On March 12th, 2026 at around 11 p.m., Jose Angel Aguilar was located and is in custody, according to Orange County Probation.
Aguilar was wearing a GPS device and on a court ordered furlough, when he cut off his GPS device and absconded while attending classes at Santiago Canyon College.
The investigation into his disappearance was led by OC Probation in coordination with the District Attorney’s office and Anaheim Police Department.
The Anaheim PD SWAT team executed a search warrant at a motel room where the youth was observed. He was taken into custody without incident.
Academic furlough is not a program administered by OC Probation. It is a privilege granted at the discretion of the Juvenile Court. Probation’s role is providing the court with a professional recommendation based on the circumstances of the case and considerations related to public safety.
OC Probation is grateful for the collaboration and assistance of various local law enforcement partners, like the District Attorney’s Office and Anaheim PD, in returning this youth to custody.
Immediate Consequences
- Revocation of Furlough: The academic furlough granted by the Juvenile Court is a privilege, not a right. Given he absconded while attending classes, this privilege is expected to be permanently terminated.
- Return to Secure Custody: Aguilar was previously serving time for a 2021 murder conviction. He has been returned to an OC Probation juvenile facility to serve the remainder of his original sentence.
- Stricter Supervision: Upon his return, he will likely face more restrictive housing and lose eligibility for future alternative sentencing or off-grounds programs.
Potential New Criminal Charges
Under California law, tampering with an electronic monitoring device and absconding can trigger new charges:
- Escape from Custody (Penal Code 4532): California treats electronic monitoring as a form of custody. Removing the device can be charged as a felony escape, punishable by up to three years in state prison.
- Contempt of Court (Penal Code 166): Violating the specific terms of a court-ordered furlough by removing a GPS device can be prosecuted as contempt.
- Vandalism: Charges may be filed for the destruction of government property (the GPS device itself).
Long-term Legal Impact
- Parole and Release Denials: Aguilar’s actions will be a significant factor in future parole hearings. Breaking the court’s trust by absconding makes it far less likely that he will be granted future releases or favorable recommendations from OC Probation.
- Additional Incarceration: If convicted on new escape charges, the judge may order the new sentence to be served consecutively to his existing term.