Traffic stop leads police to burglary ring
PORTLAND, Ore. - A traffic stop led police to break up an elaborate burglary and theft ring that involved tens of thousands of dollars in stolen property.
So far, authorities have arrested five people in connection with the scheme and are searching for more.
According to the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office, the operation involved thieves committing burglaries and thefts in several places and bringing the loot back to a hotel room. There it was digitally photographed and itemized before it was traded for drugs or money. Many of the stolen goods were stored in a garage belonging to one of the suspects.
The property included everything from pneumatic tools and table saws to video game systems and DVDs.
The investigation stemmed from a traffic stop at Northeast 238th Drive and Northeast Sandy Boulevard near Wood Village on Nov. 30. A deputy pulled over a van because it was missing a front license plate. Inside the deputy discovered methamphetamine, stolen goods and stolen mail and was able to trace the mail back to a burglary in Gladstone a day earlier.
Detectives then continued the investigation, which led them to recover a number of stolen items
Those arrested so far include:
- Merlin Filer, 30, of Portland, who was driving the van that police stopped on Nov. 30
- Christine M. Filer, 34, of Gresham
- Ronald Spence, 52, of Troutdale
- Greg Weathers, 47, of Troutdale
- Michelle L. Aldrich, 41, of Gresham
Authorities are also searching for Amanda "Mandy" Vineyard, 26, of Gresham, who is wanted on identity theft and drug charges. Another person is also being linked to the group but has not been charged.
Anyone with information is asked to call the sheriff's office at (503) 261-2810.