Police: Suspects stole items from storage lockers

DANBURY TWP. — A Sandusky man and woman are facing 19-count indictments for allegedly stealing from storage units. Brandon Gilbert, 30, and Tabitha M. Badillo, 37, both of the 1600 block of Hayes Ave. (Ohio 4), are each facing one count of engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, a second-degree felony. They are additionally charged with: • Two counts of receiving stolen property, fourth-degree felonies • Two counts of possessing criminal tools, fifth-degree felonies • Seven counts of breaking and entering, fifth-degree felonies • Seven counts of misdemeanor theft Gilbert and Badillo are accused of breaking into numerous storage units and stealing everything from collectible cards to guns, according to a Danbury police report. Just after 3 p.m. on Oct. 25, officers were dispatched to the area of a storage unit facility in the 5600 block of E. Harbor Road for the report of a suspicious black SUV that pulled up to the gate and attempted to access the facility. The same facility was the scene of at least seven other police reports concerning unit break-ins, the report states. When the code the driver entered did not work, the vehicle turned around and headed westbound on Ohio 163. A Danbury officer observed the vehicle and saw that it did not have a clearly displayed plate, according to the report, so a traffic stop was initiated as the SUV pulled into a gas station on Southeast Catawba Road. The driver was identified as Gilbert. Badillo was a passenger. None of the three occupants had a valid operator's license. Badillo complained of chest pains, so an ambulance was called. Gilbert was allowed to take two bags from the vehicle, which he said belonged to Badillo. He was also allowed to ride with her to the hospital. One officer reportedly found a methamphetamine pipe in the passenger side door and detained the one remaining passenger. Officers then performed a probable cause search on the vehicle, the report states. They reportedly found collectible playing cards, desktop computers, electronics, tools and guns. They also reportedly found a pair of bolt cutters and a ski mask. Two of the three guns found were reported as stolen by the Toledo Police Department, the report states. Upon finding the stolen guns, an officer was dispatched to the hospital to return Gilbert and the two bags he had taken back to the traffic stop. Badillo was still receiving treatment. Once back at the stop, officers searched the bags and found alleged drugs. Both Gilbert and the passenger were taken back to the station for questioning. Gilbert reportedly told officers that Badillo told him she bought the guns from a man in Fremont. Gilbert also reportedly told officers that there was an additional gun at a Sandusky address. Officers coordinated with Sandusky police, who were given permission to search the home. Sandusky officers reportedly found a gun described by Gilbert as a "green machine gun," as well as an SKS-style rifle. Gilbert eventually allegedly admitted to knowing the items in the SUV were stolen. He claimed Badillo and another man were breaking into storage lockers and stealing items to be sold in the man's second-hand shop in Sandusky. Ottawa County issued warrants upon indictment for both Gilbert and Badillo on Wednesday. Gilbert's was served and returned on Thursday. Badillo has not yet been served, according to court records. Gilbert has a hearing scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on Monday in Judge Bruce Winters' court. The second passenger was not charged, according to court records.