Police charge four people in connection with organized thefts

Lethbridge Police have charged three males and one female in connection with multiple coordinated thefts from various retailers throughout the city.

On December 11, members of the Downtown Policing Unit responded to a report of a theft in progress at Mark’s along the 1200 block of 2 A Avenue North. Policed located the vehicle the subject was seen entering and initiated a traffic stop as it attempted to leave the parking lot. A male driver and one male occupant were arrested on scene. Upon the passenger exiting the back seat, police observed a large quantity of new clothing, meat, electronics and numerous other items.

Further investigation determined the 62-year-old driver had been paid to drive the 55-year-old passenger to various stores on December 11 and had done the same on previous occasions. During some of the excursions, a 41-year-old male and 38-year-old female accompanied the 55-year-old male. After visiting each store the subjects would return to the vehicle with various items.

On December 11, police seized stolen property from six stores throughout the city totaling nearly $1,800. In reviewing video surveillance from the stores, the 41-year-old male and 38-year-old female were observed committing offences at three of the businesses. In those cases, the male is observed pushing the female in a wheelchair, which the pair used to conceal items before leaving the stores without paying. The male and female were not located with the other subjects, but warrants were issued for their arrest.

Jason John Giroux, 55, of Lethbridge, is charged with four counts of possession of stolen property under $5,000, one count of theft under $5,000 and 1 count of mischief under $5,000 (for damaging clothing while attempting to remove a tag). 

Mervin William Sauerberg, 62, of Lethbridge, is charged with five counts of possession of stolen property under $5,000. 

Giroux and Sauerberg were released from custody with conditions of no contact with each other and prohibitions from attending the victimized businesses. Both are scheduled to appear in court February 11, 2026.

On December 17, police located the 41-year-old male operating a stolen truck and he was arrested without incident. A search warrant for the male’s westside residence was subsequently obtained and police seized a variety of stolen property including a bicycle, electric bike, a large quantity of tools, identity documents and small quantities of fentanyl, cocaine and methamphetamine. The 38-year-old female was located inside the home and arrested at the scene. 

Branden Myles James Bellerose, 41, of Lethbridge, is charged with three counts of theft under $5,000 stemming from the organized thefts, as well as three counts of possession of stolen property under $5,000 and possession of identity documents. Bellerose is currently in custody.

Tiffany Anne Kootenhayoo, 38, of Lethbridge, is charged with three counts of theft under $5,000 stemming from the organized thefts, and four counts of possession of stolen property under $5,000 and one count of possession of identity documents. Kootenhayoo has been released from custody with conditions. She is scheduled to appear in court February 18, 2026.