Larimore Burglary: 2 Grand Forks Men Charged

Grand Forks County (trfnews.i234.me) — Two Grand Forks men are facing felony charges. The case is linked to a burglary in Larimore, North Dakota.

Bradley Leen and Justin Smithers are accused of taking property from a home at 618 Booth Avenue. Court documents say the homeowner had recently died. Deputies say the home was checked after the death. Missing items were reported soon after.

What investigators say happened

Court documents say some missing items were posted for sale online. Deputies say the posts appeared on social media. Investigators say they matched listings to items reported stolen. They also say the listings helped identify suspects.

Authorities say some of the property was sold to a Grand Forks pawn shop. Other items were recovered during a search at 251 Long Lawndale Road in Grand Forks, according to filings. Deputies say more stolen property was found during that search.

Drug evidence reported in the search

Court documents say investigators seized meth at the Grand Forks address. They also seized drug paraphernalia, according to the filings. Those finds led to additional drug counts in the case. Officials did not release an item list in the filings.

Charges filed

Leen and Smithers each face several charges, according to court documents:

• Burglary.
• Conspiracy to commit burglary.
• Theft of property.
• Dealing in stolen property.
• Drug charges tied to alleged meth and paraphernalia.

North Dakota law has a charge called “dealing in stolen property.” It covers trafficking in property that was stolen. It can also cover organizing theft and trafficking. Read the statute here: North Dakota Century Code, Title 12.1, Chapter 23 (PDF).

What’s next

The case will move through North Dakota district court. Court dates and filings can be checked at North Dakota Courts Records Inquiry.

Anyone with information can contact the Grand Forks County Sheriff’s Office. If you think you bought stolen property, keep receipts and messages. Law enforcement can advise on next steps.

If you or someone you know needs help with stimulant use, resources are available. The SAMHSA National Helpline is free and open 24/7.

Leen and Smithers are presumed innocent unless convicted in court.

I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.