Investigators say the Scottsdale suspect monitored Instagram vacation posts before targeting luxury homes across the Phoenix metropolitan area.
SCOTTSDALE, AZ — A 41-year-old Arizona man is accused of using Instagram to track wealthy friends and acquaintances while they traveled, then breaking into their homes and stealing expensive jewelry, watches and other valuables, according to police and court records.
Tyler Lee Johnston of Scottsdale was arrested Oct. 4 following an investigation involving five law enforcement agencies in the Phoenix metropolitan area. Authorities believe he may be connected to more than a dozen residential burglaries across Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Phoenix, Gilbert and Mesa. Investigators are examining whether the number of affected homes could exceed 20.
According to court documents described by FOX 10 Phoenix, Johnston allegedly identified potential victims through social and business connections, including people associated with Scottsdale’s hospitality industry. Investigators say he followed their Instagram accounts and monitored posts indicating they were away from home. The allegations have raised concerns among victims who believed their social connections were trustworthy.
Police say the burglaries followed a similar pattern. The suspect allegedly targeted expensive homes while their owners were traveling, entered the properties and searched for valuables. Investigators identified a white Toyota Camry associated with Johnston near multiple burglary locations, according to local news reports.
Among the property reported stolen were Rolex and Cartier watches, designer handbags, firearms, precious metals and sports memorabilia. FOX 10 reported that one of the missing items was a signed Kobe Bryant MVP jersey valued at more than $100,000. Authorities believe the combined value of property stolen in the suspected burglary spree reaches hundreds of thousands of dollars, although the full amount has not been established.
Investigators also examined transactions involving property believed to have been stolen. According to FOX 10, detectives traced custom silver bars to a precious metals business in Tucson, where Johnston allegedly sold them using his real name. Police also reviewed pawn transactions while attempting to connect stolen goods with reported burglaries.
One of the reported victims, Sean McGraw, told Arizona’s Family that his central Phoenix home was burglarized while he and his family were away. Surveillance footage showed a masked person breaking into the property. McGraw said he believed a social media post about the family’s absence may have contributed to the burglary.
“It is a very violating feeling having a criminal in your master bedroom and bathroom and closets,” McGraw told Arizona’s Family. “I’ve never felt this way before.”
McGraw said he believed the suspect had been using social media to identify homes belonging to people within his own network. The possibility that someone familiar with the homeowners could have used their vacation updates to select properties added to the distress caused by the break-in.
FOX 10 also interviewed victims who said they had connected with Johnston on Instagram after business dealings in 2022. They reported losing jewelry, watches and family heirlooms. Some of the missing items had sentimental value that could not be measured by their resale price.
Police arrested Johnston after surveillance connected him to a reported break-in on Oct. 4. FOX 10 reported that officers tracked his movements and detained him after he returned to a business location. Investigators subsequently searched properties associated with Johnston and reported finding additional items believed to have been stolen, including a distinctive luxury watch.
Johnston faces allegations including second-degree burglary and possession of burglary tools, according to FOX 10. Prosecutors initially sought a $100,000 cash bond. Arizona’s Family subsequently reported that Johnston had been released on a $40,000 bond. The difference reflects developments in the case following his initial arrest.
The investigation remains active as authorities work to determine how many burglaries can be connected to Johnston and whether additional charges are warranted. Investigators are also attempting to establish the total value of missing property and identify items that may be recovered.
Johnston is scheduled for a preliminary hearing Oct. 13, according to FOX 10. The allegations against him have not been proven in court, and he is presumed innocent unless convicted.
Author note: Last updated October 8, 2026.