Multiple arrests made in reported storage unit burglary in Lincoln

LINCOLN, Neb. -- The Lincoln Police Department arrested four people that were reportedly connected to a burglary of a storage unit.

LPD said officers were sent to Sasquatch Self Storage, 201 S Coddington, around 3:55 p.m. on Monday for a reported burglary.

Officers said they spoke to the victims, a 38-year-old woman and a 34-year-old man. The victims reported that their storage unit was entered at some point during the night.

According to authorities, they believe the suspects were able to get into the unit by removing a panel from the wall that is shared with the neighboring unit. The misc. stolen items reportedly have a total value of $1,500. 

Officials said officers talked with business management and they reported that 58-year-old Jeffrey Adams rents the neighboring unit. Management also reported that 39-year-old Julie Rodgers was known to frequently visit the unit.

Police said they checked the security camera and saw Rodgers arrive at the neighboring storage unit at 10:00 p.m. She was reportedly driving a blue Ford Escape and 36-year-old Brandyn Tomes was with her.

LPD said officers were sent to Tomes' home and saw the Escape there. The Escape was reportedly stolen on Dec. 25, 2022, from Omaha. 

According to authorities, the items that were stolen in the burglary were found inside the Escape along with methamphetamine and a homemade firework. Officers reportedly found more information that indicated that Adams was the person who stole the Escape from Omaha and gave it Tomes and Rodgers.

Officers said they tried to contact Rodgers at her home but received no answer. They got a search warrant and reportedly found Rodgers hiding in a sofa. Also reportedly in Rodgers' home was 56-year-old James Roper.

Police said they searched the home and found meth, drug paraphernalia, items that they suspected were stolen, and a 9mm handgun.

LPD said Rodgers was arrested for burglary, theft by receiving, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of burglar's tools. Tomes was reportedly also arrested for burglary, theft by receiving, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of burglar's tools along with possession of an explosive device (handheld type of homemade firework).

According to authorities, Adams was arrested for theft by receiving and Roper was arrested for possession of a controlled substance.