SHAWANO COUNTY, WI (WTAQ) – More arrests are expected to be made after Shawano County investigators busted up a large burglary ring.
According to criminal complaints obtained by FOX 11, the stolen property recovered thus far includes guns, other hunting equipment, power tools and TVs.
Sheriff’s officials say four people have been arrested and charged at this point in connection with about 30 burglaries this year in western Shawano County and neighboring counties.
In just the past two weeks, investigators searched homes in Almon and Mattoon.
One of those properties belongs to Keith Bernarde. His property on County Road N in Almon is filled with garbage bags, old appliances and tires. Investigators also found over 60 guns which are believed to have been stolen.
“He’s a hoarder,” said Shawano County Sheriff Adam Bieber. “He collects items and keeps them forever. If you’ve ever seen the show Hoarders, it’s a lot like that. There’s rooms that are just filled with items. Rooms that you can’t walk into because they’re so full of stuff.”
According to Bieber, Bernarde would buy or trade for items his nephew, Lorenzo Thiex, stole across the area.
“He’s either giving drugs or money for those stolen items,” said Bieber. “That’s how the relationship works.”
Sheriff Bieber called it a massive case.
“It’s a big case, it really is,” said Bieber. “It’s probably one of the biggest ones we’ve ever worked on, our detectives have ever worked on.”
Bernarde has been charged with 3 felonies. Thiex is charged with 16. Ayesha Dodge and Forrest Sparks are each charged with one felony for allegedly helping with the burglaries.
Investigators say they’ve recovered about $70,000 worth of property. Bieber adds there may be victims in neighboring counties.
“We’re encouraging people to report what was stolen, even if it was back in July. Give us a call, give us a list of what was stolen, and we’ll try and help them out.”
The sheriff recommends people need do a better job of locking up and documenting their property.
Anyone with information on the burglaries should call the Shawano Co. Sheriff’s Department at (715) 526-3111.
