Rochester, mn vfw victimized by statewide burglary operation

Minneapolis, MN (KROC-AM News)- The Rochester VFW was one of nearly four-dozen establishments to be victimized by an organized burglary ring that operated throughout Minnesota.

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That’s according to racketeering charges filed in Hennepin County Court on Friday. Court documents say eight men took part in the scheme.

Rochester police responded to the burglary at the Rochester VFW on the morning of April 3, 2023 and found the front window of the establishment had been smashed open.

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About a year after the burglary, 31-year-old Tyler Nicolaus Paananen-Berneche was charged with third-degree burglary and first-degree property damage.

Paananen-Berneche. Olmsted County ADC

He entered a plea agreement Monday in which he admitted to the property damage charge in exchange for the dismissal of the burglary charge.

Charges: Rochester VFW One of 44 Businesses Targeted by Organized Minnesota Burglary Operation

Further investigation found Paananen-Berneche was one of eight participants in an organized burglary operation that targeted mainly bars that offered charitable gambling, such as pull tabs, and golf courses, according to the complaint.

Members of the criminal conspiracy are alleged to have committed burglaries and attempted burglaries at 44 such businesses throughout Minnesota, mostly in the Twin Cities area from March of 2023 through February of last year.

King Sr. Complaint. Hennepin County Court

Court documents allege 50-year-old Aaron Scott King Sr. of St. Paul was the leader of the burglary operation. He used his residence in St. Paul was a hub for the operation’s members and selected targets for burglaries, the complaint says.

The six others accused of being involved in scheme and now facing racketeering charges are identified as:

26-year-old Arraon Scott King Jr.

54-year-old Cory Jay Rosillo

28-year-old Edondre James Morrison

48-year-old Sean Charles Fikes

50-year-old Dale Anthony Massie Jr.

34-year-old Jawan Edward Jackson

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Gallery Credit: Nick Cooper - TSM Duluth