Victims of busy burglary ring sought

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) - With the alleged leader and accomplices in a burglary now in custody investigators with the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Department need help matching property recovered in a South Valley home with burglary victims.

"This could produce eight or 10 more victims from different burglaries," Sgt. Sid Covington of the departments street crimes unit said.

Investigators said they found the loot, ranging from firearms to jewelry and banjos, at the home of Timothy Leigh Johnson, 25.

He and at least five others have been linked to nearly two dozen burglaries, according to Covington who identified Johnson as the gang's mastermind.

"This was a very complex operation," Covington said. "He orchestrated the entire organization, the entire criminal enterprise."

By the time investigators caught up with Johnson, they said they found him with thousands of dollars worth of stolen goods with the banjos a sign of their specialty.

"This specific group targeted musical instruments," Covington said.

Investigators said they'll likely link him to more burglaries as more victims come forward.

"We suspect him in being involved in numerous burglaries throughout the East Mountains and portions of the city," said Covington.

Johnson is no stranger to the law. Last week he and another inmate kicked open the door of a moving bus while being transported from a downtown court to the Metropolitan Detention Center.

They jumped out, but didn't get very far in handcuffs and shackles. Both men suffered minor injuries.

Just weeks before Johnson was accused of leading deputies on a chase.

He was a suspect in a shooting, and when deputies tried to arrest him, they said he took off on a stolen motorcycle, jumped off and then climbed a tree.

Johnson eventually fell out of the tree and was arrested.

Covington said when they then searched Johnson's home in the South Valley they found the stolen items and a stolen pick up truck.

Investigators said they've nabbed the main members of the burglary ring identified as Aric Gehrics, Jennifer Christensen, Cory Coyner and Steven Hatley. More people could face charges, they added.

One suspect still on the loose is Marshal Shaw, 18.

So far victims have claimed about $20,000 worth of stolen property. Covington said it's important if anyone has been a victim of theft to check out the property recovered from Johnson's home and come forward.

"If this property does that and we're able to charge him with more burglaries, more felony charges, the potential of him getting out is far less," Covington said.