Trial ordered for man accused of looting mansion in Rancho Santa Fe

By City News Service

A man who allegedly barged into a Rancho Santa Fe mansion with an accomplice five days before Christmas and looted the residence while holding a housekeeper at gunpoint must stand trial on robbery and other charges, a judge ruled June 12.

David Grub faces 34 years in prison if convicted.

After a preliminary hearing, Judge Kenneth So found that enough evidence was presented for Grub to stand trial on three counts of robbery, burglary and a gun allegation.

A readiness conference was set for Aug. 12 and trial for Oct. 30.

Early on the afternoon of Dec. 20, Grub and another man allegedly confronted the maid at the large house in the 5400 block of El Mirlo, threatened her with a gun and forced their way inside, authorities said.

After gathering jewelry and antiques, the bandits handcuffed the victim to a door to keep her from calling 911, then fled in a blue Hyundai Elantra.

Sheriff’s officials said the housekeeper was found by the children who live at the residence several hours later. She was unhurt. The robbers’ getaway car was eventually found abandoned.

After a tip, Grub, 43, was arrested Feb. 28 in Alpine. The second suspect remains at large.