SCIU Charges 30-Time Convicted Felon and 4-Time Convicted Felon for Residential Burglaries at the Same Residence
** Crime Stoppers of the Inland Northwest Offers Reward **
Spokane County Sheriff’s Office Investigative Unit (SCIU) Detective charged two multi-time convicted felons for three burglaries of the same residence in a little over a week’s timeframe.
The victims of a residence located in the 7800 block of N. Adams reported their home had been burglarized on three separate occasions. The burglaries occurred between July 3, 2020, and July 11, 2020, and each time the victims filed a report.
SCIU Detectives opened an investigation into the three incidents and found that some of the victim’s property had been pawned at Pawn-1 on N. Monroe. Pawn 1 requires valid identification from people who pawn property at their business.
Detective Hixson contacted the staff at Pawn-1 regarding the transaction and collected the needed evidence, information, and stolen property.
Through the continued investigation, SCIU identified and later developed probable cause to arrest two suspects, 40-year-old Joseph E. Rowley, a 4-time convicted felon, and 43-year-old Christopher D. Sheldon, a 30-time convicted felon.
On July 14, 2020, Rowley was arrested and booked into the Spokane County Jail for Residential Burglary, Trafficking in Stolen Property 1st Degree, and Driving while License Revoked 1st Degree, stemming from the burglary committed on July 11, 2020.
On July 29, 2020, Sheldon was arrested and booked into the Spokane County Jail for Residential Burglary (2-counts) and Trafficking Stolen Property 1st Degree, stemming from the burglaries committed on July 3, and July 8, 2020. Sheldon is also in custody on an array of unrelated charges, including Unlawful Possession of a Firearm 1st Degree (2-counts), and Possession of a Controlled Substance (4-counts).
Investigators understand these pictures are not of high quality but they hope someone may recognize the suspects if they know them. Of note, one suspect has a yellow “puffy” style coat and a black backpack that may help someone identify him.
This remains an active investigation, and SCIU Detectives ask anyone with information regarding Joseph E. Rowley or Christopher D. Sheldon, or these burglaries to contact Crime Stoppers of the Inland Northwest, reference #10087910.
Persons with information regarding the whereabouts of this fugitive should call the Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 1-800-222-TIPS, or go to www.p3tips.com. Tipsters do not have to give their name to collect the cash fugitive reward.
Crime Stoppers of the Inland Northwest is a civilian organization that promotes public safety by paying cash rewards for information that solves crimes. It is not affiliated with law enforcement. Full Disclosure of reward requirements is available at http://www.crimestoppersinlandnorthwest.org.
