FARGO, N.D. (trfnews.i234.me) – Two individuals have been charged with burglary after vehicles were stolen from a West Fargo dealership in August.
Joel Rodriguez faces three counts of motor vehicle theft and appeared in Cass County Court on Friday. Ashley Dowling is also charged but has not been taken into custody.
According to court records, the burglary occurred overnight on August 27 at New Day Auto Sales. The suspects allegedly entered by removing an air conditioning unit. Investigators found 20 stolen keys and three missing vehicles, along with other items.
Surveillance footage from a nearby motel linked Dowling to the crime. She is also connected to another burglary in Fargo with a similar method. Two unidentified men were also recorded at the scene.
One of the stolen cars was recovered on August 28. A witness reported receiving the vehicle from Rodriguez, who claimed he was helping a friend reduce inventory. Evidence found at Rodriguez’s residence tied him to the crime.
Rodriguez, released on bond, will return to court on January 9. His criminal record includes theft and drug-related offenses dating back to 2004.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for trfnews.i234.me