Former Husker football player escapes jail time after caught on camera breaking into Lincoln store

LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) - A former Husker tight end caught on camera breaking into a Lincoln liquor and vape shop last year won’t face any jail time for the crime after taking a plea deal.

Arik Gilbert, 21, pleaded no contest Tuesday to first-degree criminal trespassing and criminal mischief and was fined $400. Prosecutors initially charged Gilbert with burglary - a felony - but amended the charge to trespassing this week. Gilbert was also ordered to pay $450 in restitution to the shop.

Surveillance video obtained from SJ’s Liquor and Vape at 27th and O Streets shows a man, later identified as Gilbert, breaking into the store around 2 a.m. on Aug. 29, 2023 and rummaging through the merchandise. Large cement pieces from a nearby parking lot were used to break the glass to the front door, according to police.

Police said Gilbert stole $1,600 worth of items, including vape products, Delta 8, cigars and lighters. In the surveillance video, Lincoln Police officers can be seen waiting at the door, where the suspect was put in handcuffs.

The crime happened just two days before the first Nebraska Football game last season.