Arrests link two men to dozens of local burglaries

Former Vernonia residents accused of breaking into garages and selling items to pawn shops

Pamplin Media Group, Sep 30, 2009, Updated Oct 30, 2009

Courtesy of WCSO

John Hesselman, left, and Jason Roberts have been arrested in connection with dozens of burglaries after police discovered suspicious activity at several area pawn shops.

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Washington County sheriff’s detectives have arrested two men they think could be responsible for about 60 burglaries in Washington and Columbia counties.

Jason Roberts, 26, and John Hesselman, 22, both former Vernonia-area residents, were arrested last week after Portland detectives discovered suspicious activity at several area pawn shops that involved sales of possible stolen goods.

Hesselman and Roberts were both booked into the Washington County Jail on multiple counts of burglary and theft. They are each being held on $500,000 bail.

According to sheriff’s detectives, Portland police that monitored pawn shops in the region alerted the Washington County Sheriff’s Office about the possible suspicious activity. The sales were made at about a half-dozen pawn shops in Beaverton, Hillsboro and Portland. Because pawn shop owners are required to check ID of anyone who pawns items, detectives discovered a pattern that included the pawning of items typically kept in a garage or a shed, like chain saws, yard tools and golf clubs.

On Sept. 24, Beaverton police detectives were called to the Canyon Exchange Pawn Shop, where they were told that one of the suspects was at the store attempting to sell additional property. The detectives arrested Roberts at the store. Hesselman was arrested the same day at his house.

Detectives have identified 10 cases linked to the two suspects through the stolen items they pawned. The suspects apparently operated in western Washington County, the Rock Creek area and parts of Hillsboro near Northeast Jackson School Road and Sunrise Lane.

Detectives have also identified more than 200 stolen items that were pawned at eight area pawn shops.

Apparently the two suspects used a ruse to allegedly steal items from garages and homes. Detectives said the men would approach a house and see if anyone was home. If someone were at the house, one of the suspects would talk with them, while the other would go into the garage or other areas and quickly steal items.

Detectives are still looking for victims in this case. Victims who had items stolen after July 1 should call Washington County Sheriff’s Office, 503-846-2601.