Suspect in crime spree pleads guilty, sentenced

A Zumbrota man with a long criminal history will spend time in jail for a rash of rural Goodhue County thefts he said were fueled by his need to buy drugs.

As part of a deal with prosecutors, James Lohmann, 23, pleaded guilty Friday to five charges, including felonies for drug possession and theft.

First District Judge Thomas Bibus sentenced Lohmann to 180 days in jail, with credit for 33 days served. He also must serve up to five years on probation.

Lohmann admitted to several thefts around Goodhue County, the items from which he admitted selling to fuel his methamphetamine habit.

Thefts included $3,700 worth of copper wire and a $200 violin.

"The underlying problem is an addiction to methamphetamine," said Assistant Goodhue County Attorney Stephen O'Keefe.

Public defender Doug Bayley said Lohmann understands he must change his lifestyle.

"The incentives are all there for him to turn it around," Bayley said.

Lohmann will be eligible for work release in jail.

Authorities began investigating Lohmann after receiving tips this summer that he was involved in several copper and electrical wire thefts taking place at rural farms.

Lohmann was arrested last month on five warrants issued after months of investigation and intense surveillance.

"He was a like a one-man crime wave," Goodhue County sheriff's Capt. Pat Thompson told the Republican Eagle last month.

State court records show Lohmann has a long criminal history in southeastern Minnesota.

Tags: crime and courts, goodhue county mn, james lohmann, news, zumbrota