Burglar stole iPhones, jewelry by sawing holes into Portland businesses, docs say

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – A man accused of breaking into buildings and sawing holes into walls that were connected to local businesses now faces several burglary charges, according to the Multnomah County DA’s office.

The man was arraigned Friday, April 25 on multiple charges, including first-degree burglary, first-degree theft, aggravated theft, criminal mischief and aggravated identity theft. 

State prosecutors have asked for an upward departure in sentencing if he is found guilty, meaning they are seeking a harsher punishment due to the frequency of the burglaries.

Authorities say the man has a history of “breaking into vacant storefronts sharing walls with businesses he intended to target, then sawing through the interior wall separating the storefronts to gain access to valuable merchandise.”

The impacted stores include the AT&T on Lombard Street, Jewelry Buyer, A1 Hawk Pawn Shop, and others. Stolen items ranged from iPhones, diamond earrings and tennis bracelets, officials said.

When police searched the man’s home in late February, they found a bag filled with “numerous checks written out to a Sherwin Willams in Wilsonville, several credit card skimmers, a luggage bag filled with various financial documents and credit card items, a blue bag full of burglary tools,” as well as ammunition, holsters, and magazines. 

Stay with KOIN 6 News as this story develops.