On September 1, 2022, Colorado Springs Police Department officers from the Gold Hill Division were dispatched to investigate a traffic accident in the 2700 block of North Chestnut Street. The vehicle was driven by 39-year-old Beth Reichenberg. Officers located evidence inside of Ms. Reichenberg’s vehicle that was linked to a burglary of a motor vehicle that occurred at Goose Gossage Park. Due to the increased number of vehicle break-ins in the City of Colorado Springs, Detectives with the Gold Hill Divisional Investigations Unit were assigned to conduct follow-up to identify any additional vehicle break-ins and additional criminal activity that Ms. Reichenberg may be associated with.
Vehicle break-ins are typically pattern style crimes where suspect(s) have committed numerous similar style acts. Often the suspect(s) involved will then commit other crimes with the items they steal, such as identity theft or the crime of false information to a pawn broker by claiming the stolen property they sell is legally theirs.
The investigation identified two associates of Ms. Reichenberg who were involved in criminal activity with her. One associate was identified as 25-year-old Brian Lude. The second person is not being publicly identified due to being charged with misdemeanor crimes.
The investigation determined that Ms. Reichenberg and her associates were linked to an additional 15 CSPD cases. These incidents occurred between June through September of 2022 and included additional burglaries of motor vehicles from across Colorado Springs, including Red Rock Canyon Open Space, Villa Sport, Memorial Central Hospital parking garage, Cinemark Theaters, and Colorado College’s parking garage. Detectives also located evidence linking Ms. Reichenberg and her associates to additional burglaries and criminal incidents in neighboring jurisdictions.
During the investigation, additional criminal violations were identified and Ms. Reichenberg and Mr. Lude were arrested on the following charges:
Beth Reichenberg
- 30 counts of Identity Theft (Felony);
- Two counts of Unauthorized Use of a Financial Transaction Device (Felony);
- Theft (Felony);
- 11 counts of First Degree Criminal Trespass (misdemeanor);
- Possession of a Weapon by a Previous Offender (Felony);
- Possession of Burglary Tools (Misdemeanor);
- Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance (Misdemeanor);
- Criminal Mischief (Misdemeanor);
- Careless Driving Causing Accident and License for Drivers Required
Brian Lude
- Six counts of Identity Theft (Felony);
- one count of Second Degree Burglary (Felony);
- one count of Unauthorized Use of a Financial Transaction Device (misdemeanor);
- two counts of First Degree Criminal Trespass (misdemeanor);
- Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance (misdemeanor);
- Criminal Mischief (Misdemeanor);
- Theft (Misdemeanor);
- False Reporting of Identifying Information to Law Enforcement Authorities (Misdemeanor)
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (Petty Offense)
The third associate was cited with misdemeanor Criminal Trespass and Criminal Mischief.
“We have been having a lot of conversations about crime rates in our community. When compared to other cities our size, our rates are lower than average, but our property crimes rates have gone up in 2022. These are complex issues, but I believe one of the factors impacting the rise was a change in criminal laws in March of 2022. Numerous criminal laws were changed but one of the changes made breaking into someone’s car a misdemeanor rather than a felony. This means that if we catch someone for breaking into cars, and there is only evidence to charge them with this specific crime, all my officers can do is give them a ticket telling them they have to go to court sometime in the future. Prior to this, we could arrest and book them into jail.
I am proud of my officers and detectives for working this case and developing enough evidence to arrest this group of prolific offenders who have victimized numerous people in our community but I want our community to know our ability to prevent this type of pattern crimes has been limited by legislative changes” stated Colorado Springs Police Chief Adrian Vasquez.
Anyone who believes they may have been a victim of a Burglary of a Motor Vehicle in the areas mentioned above, during June through September of 2022, or has information about these crimes is encouraged to contact Pikes Peak Area Crimestoppers 719-634-STOP (7867) or call the Colorado Springs Police Department non-emergency line at 719-444-7000.