Man Charged In Snow Blower Theft Spree
HASTINGS, Minn. (WCCO) -- A 44-year-old old Eagan man is accused of stealing at least 10 snow blowers from an Eagan neighborhood, possessing drugs and a weapon, according to charges filed in Dakota County District Court on Tuesday.
Steven Douglas Todd was charged with 10 felony counts including theft, third-degree burglary, fifth-degree controlled substance and possession of a short-barreled shotgun. Todd's girlfriend, 40-year-old Michelle Marrie Sizer of Richfield, was also charged with aiding and abetting third-degree burglary and fifth-degree aiding and abetting of a controlled substance.
A criminal complaint states that on Jan. 8, Eagan police were assembling several reports of snow blowers and other yard equipment being stolen from yards and open garages.
Authorities had learned that Todd had been pawning several items over the past few years that had been stolen. Police executed a search Warrant at Todd's home in Eagan, he admitted that at least one of the snow blowers he had was stolen from an open garage.
Police entered the residence while Todd and his girlfriend were sleeping on the couch, according to the complaint. Officers found three spoons and other drug-related items with drug residue. The items later tested positive for trace amounts of cocaine.
Under the same couch, officers discovered a 12-gauge sawed off shot gun with its serial number removed. Police also recovered several serial numbers from snow blowers, the complaint states.
Todd met with Eagan police on Jan. 20, and admitted to thefts in Eagan and Burnsville. Police records indicate that 10 snow blowers, a lawn mower and some shovels had all been stolen. The thefts all took place from Jan. 3 to Jan. 20.
If convicted on all offenses, Todd faces up to 50 years in prison and/or $100,000 in fines. Sizer faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and/or $20,000 in fines.
