Two Arrested in Burglary of Truckee Decedent's Home
Authorities arrested two people accused of stealing firearms, money and a vehicle from the Truckee home of a man who died in October.
Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in Property Crime
Angela Louise Damico, 55, of Belmont, and Michael John Robertson, 64, of San Carlos, were arrested after the Nevada County Sheriff's Office investigated the burglary of Eugene "Gene" Canata's Truckee home following his death. Search warrants executed Nov. 5 at both residences located personal property belonging to Canata.
Why it matters
The case centers on alleged theft from the estate of a decedent whose assets are supposed to pass to rightful heirs. The Nevada County Sheriff's Office Public Administrator says it will continue to protect Canata's assets.
Angela Damico and Michael Robertson were arrested for second degree burglary, conspiracy to commit crime, vehicle theft and grand theft, and Robertson faces additional charges from the San Mateo Sheriff's Office for unrelated crimes and stolen property. The source does not state court dates, bail amounts or the current custody status of either suspect.
The players
Nevada County Sheriff's Office
The Nevada County Sheriff's Office is the law enforcement agency that investigated the burglary and executed the search warrants in partnership with San Mateo County deputies.
San Mateo Sheriff's Office
The San Mateo County Sheriff's Office assisted in executing the search warrants and is bringing separate charges against Robertson for unrelated crimes and stolen property.
The details
Investigators opened the case on Oct. 22 after the Public Administrator assumed responsibility for Canata's estate and a property check found the home had been burglarized. Damico claimed to hold power of attorney for Canata but could not produce paperwork or a will to verify the claim, and search warrants were later executed with San Mateo Sheriff's Office deputies at properties in Belmont and San Carlos.
Timeline
October 2026: Canata died in Washoe County, Nevada, and his Truckee home was later burglarized.
October 22, 2026: The Public Administrator assumed the case and a property check confirmed the burglary.
November 5, 2026: Search warrants were executed at Damico's and Robertson's properties.
Legal Context
The charges of second degree burglary and grand theft apply existing California statutes to the alleged theft of property from a deceased person's home. The case illustrates how estate administration by a county Public Administrator can bring such thefts to law enforcement's attention.
Residents who have estate matters involving a relative's home should verify any claimed power of attorney with documentation before allowing anyone to access or remove property. The case highlights that a county Public Administrator can step in to protect a decedent's assets when concerns arise.
The takeaway
Families handling a deceased relative's property should keep written proof of any authority to act, such as a will or power of attorney, before removing or accepting items from a home.
Further reading
Find more local coverage in Truckee Property Crime reporting.
