All charges have been dismissed against Jose Ramon Velez III, of Tehachapi, for 11 Hart Flat burglaries that took place during November 2006.

Superior Court Judge Michael Gutstein dimissed all charges against Velez due to lack of evidence.

Jose Martinez Bravo, who admitted to the burglaries, appeared in court on April 18 to face the charges. Earlier, Bravo said he did not know Velez.

“It’s been a nightmare,” said Velez.

Velez said he’s had the police called on him several times since Velez’ photo appeared on the front page of the Dec 13 issue of the Tehachapi News. He hopes once people are aware of his being cleared of the charges, he will be able to get on with his life without further issue.

This is my son's best friend.  They put him through the ringer. (KCSD) He was posted in the paper, arrested, let out on bail, posted in the paper again, a warrant put out for his arrest.  He went to the Sheriff Dept 3-4 times on his own and each time they let him go, and they still put a warrant out for him after that, as if he was on the run.  Funny thing is, he lives a rocks throw away from the Sheriff dept.  We knew the whole time he was innocent.  Jose is a good person and has done alot of changing since he grew up.  By the way, he is no youth...he is 25, he only looks 13:)