TACOMA, Wash. — A suspect in the burglary of Bellevue Rare Coins in Tacoma was arrested on Jan. 24 and faces several charges.
Robert Mearl McGee Jr. was charged with second-degree burglary, first-degree theft and second-degree malicious mischief for the burglary in December. He pleaded not guilty and a jury trial is scheduled for March.
On Christmas Day of last year, the owners of Bellevue Rare Coins learned that between Dec. 24 and Dec. 25, approximately $300,000 worth of merchandise was stolen. The merchandise included coins and silver bars, according to a statement of probable cause.
Police discovered that entry was made by cutting a hole through a shared wall with a vacant business next door. Inside, they found a crowbar with the name "McGee" engraved on it.
During their investigation, police received information about a vehicle used during the burglary. They found the vehicle, which was registered to McGee, according to a statement of probable cause. The vehicle had the same damage to it as the one seen in outside surveillance video at the business.
Police received tips from people who said they saw McGee with bags that contained gold and silver bars and coins. At least one person said he showed them the coins as well as some money he received for selling some of the merchandise.
When confronted by police, McGee said he didn't know anything about the burglary.
Police found a metal tube and a hard plastic case with a large number of coins inside McGee's home. They found additional coins at a relative's home, according to a statement of probable cause.
Eric Hoolahan, the CEO of Bellevue Rare Coins, previously told KING 5 that he believes there were a total of six people involved.
The police investigation continues.
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