Prolific burglar pleads guilty, sentenced to 9 years in prison for breaking into dozens of businesses

PORTLAND, Ore. -- Joshua Patrick Lucero, 33, was sentenced to nine years in prison after pleading guilty to participating in a burglary ring that targeted numerous businesses in the greater Portland area. His plea agreement included six counts of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, one count of second-degree burglary, and 23 counts of first-degree burglary. Lucero expressed remorse in court, stating, "I'm ready for change in my life and I'm sincerely sorry after hearing those people's statements."

Prosecutors dropped additional charges as part of the plea deal, which aimed to cover the extensive criminal behavior associated with Lucero's actions. Multnomah County District Attorney Nathan Vasquez emphasized the seriousness of the case, noting, "This is one that our office has been very aggressive on pursuing because of the extensive nature of this." Prosecutors are determined to hold all participants accountable and have been in close contact with the victims, many of whom are family-run businesses that suffered significant losses.

Lucero was initially indicted alongside 27-year-old Courtney Savannah Carlile as part of a larger group responsible for burglarizing dozens of establishments over several months. Surveillance footage documented their break-ins, during which they used tools like crowbars and saws to access safes and cash in restaurants and bars. Many businesses affected have expressed relief over the action taken against the burglars.

The case is significant not only for Lucero's sentencing but also because it marks the first conviction related to the investigation, which remains ongoing. A third suspect, 34-year-old Daniel Blew, was arrested in February and later indicted, facing multiple counts of burglary and theft. Prosecutors believe that additional individuals may still be involved in the case.

Vasquez hopes that Lucero's sentencing will contribute to alleviating the ongoing issues faced by local businesses and remarked on the importance of prosecuting those responsible. "It's not that I think things are all better, but this is a step in the right direction," he noted, highlighting the need for accountability and community support in the wake of these crimes.