Crime & Safety

Man to Stand Trial for Allegedly Stealing from Muslim Community Center

A judge ordered Jaouad Bouamama to stand trial after his preliminary hearing on Friday.

The man accused of breaking into the Yaseen Foundation five times in March and April and stealing money from a donation box will stand trial for the alleged crimes, a San Mateo County Superior Court judge ruled on Friday.

After Friday's preliminary hearing for Jaouad Bouamama, 28, a transient, Judge James Ellis set a court date of May 6 for Bouamama's superior court arraignment.

Bouamama was arrested April 9 in Belmont for allegedly stealing around $1,000 from a donation box at the Muslim community center, located at 621 Masonic Way, Belmont police said. At the time, Bouamama was on probation in connection with an attempted residential burglary on Dec. 28.

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According to the San Mateo County District Attorney's Office, Bouamama used a pass code to enter the community center. His break-ins were captured on a security camera, prosecutors said.

After the third break-in, officials at the community center moved the donation box and Bouamama wasn't able to take money, prosecutors said.

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Three witnesses testified for the prosecution at Bouamama's preliminary hearing. The defense didn't present any evidence, according to prosecutors.

Bouamama remains in custody in lieu of $125,000 bail.


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