Loveland Man Arrested for Burglary Spree in Berthoud's Prairiestar Subdivision
A 37-year-old Loveland man who was on parole for a prior burglary conviction has been arrested for allegedly stealing more than $13,700 worth of property from garages in Berthoud's Prairiestar Subdivision, according to Larimer County Sheriff's Office.
Roger Rickard was arrested September 22 following a series of thefts that began September 21 when a Berthoud resident scared off a suspect attempting to steal property from their garage. Deputies were unable to locate the suspect that evening, but received multiple calls the following morning reporting stolen items from garages in the same neighborhood.
Through investigative techniques, deputies identified a suspect vehicle and observed Rickard driving it. After stopping the vehicle, deputies discovered a significant amount of stolen property inside. A subsequent search warrant executed on Rickard's storage unit, residence, and vehicle led to the recovery of stolen property totaling more than $13,700.
The Prairiestar Subdivision where the burglaries occurred is a master-planned residential development approved by Berthoud town officials in March 2014. The subdivision features predominantly single-family homes with a median price of approximately $400,000 and includes numerous parks, trails, and recreational amenities.
Rickard faces multiple felony charges including five counts of second degree burglary of a building, each a Class 5 felony that carries a presumptive prison sentence of one to three years and fines ranging from $1,000 to $100,000, according to Colorado criminal law. He also faces one count of theft between $5,000 and $20,000, also a Class 5 felony, and one count of attempted second degree burglary, a Class 6 felony with a presumptive sentence of 12 to 18 months. Additionally, he was charged with possession of burglary tools, a Class 2 misdemeanor.
The Larimer County Court issued Rickard a $10,000 personal recognizance bond with co-signer, meaning he can be released without paying money upfront but both he and a co-signer would be financially liable for the full bond amount if he fails to appear in court or violates release conditions.
Rickard's parole status from a prior burglary conviction could significantly impact his sentencing if convicted on the new charges. Colorado law allows judges to impose higher sentences than the presumptive range for defendants who commit new felonies while on parole, and violating parole typically results in revocation and imposition of the original sentence in addition to any new penalties.
"Thanks to thorough police work and a meticulous investigation, our deputies have recovered most of the stolen property and returned it to its rightful owners. This individual will be held accountable for his actions," said Sergeant Justin Williamson of the Berthoud squad.
Deputies believe additional unreported thefts occurred in the Prairiestar Subdivision and have recovered stolen property they want to return to original owners. Residents of the subdivision who believe they were theft victims are asked to contact Deputy Zack Anderson at 970-498-5597.
The charges are merely accusations and Rickard is presumed innocent until proven guilty.