EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn (trfnews.i234.me) – In the quiet Eden Prairie neighborhood of Sarah and James Shaser, burglars struck on January 9, making off with gold, watches, and cherished belongings. Little did the Shasers know, they had fallen victim to a sophisticated South American burglary ring that has targeted over 60 homes across 12 Minnesota cities.
Investigators traced the burglars’ rental car, parked near a walking path behind the Shasers’ home, suggesting the criminals scoped out properties using surveillance tools like Wi-Fi and cell phone jammers. Instead of a smashed window, the burglars expertly cut and removed a window, entering the home undetected.
Ten days later, in suburban Philadelphia, police arrested three Chilean nationals tied to the burglaries. Among the stolen items found was Sarah Shaser’s wedding ring of 45 years. One suspect, Miguel Guzman Pardo, left a footprint in the snow outside the Shasers’ home, leading to his extradition to Minnesota. Guzman-Pardo pleaded guilty and is now set to face charges in Ohio.
As similar burglaries hit more Minnesota communities this fall, the Shasers are left heartbroken by the loss of sentimental items.