Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - A man accused of being a member of an alleged organized burglary operation in Minnesota has been sent to prison for a break-in at a Rochester business two years ago.

According to court documents, Rochester police responded to the burglary in April 2023 at the Rochester VFW. The responding officers found the front window of the establishment had been smashed open.

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The criminal complaint states that a review of security camera footage showed three suspects breaking into the business and then fleeing in a vehicle that was later stopped for speeding along Highway 52. The court document identifies 31-year-old Tyler Nicolaus Paananen-Berneche of Newport as the driver of the vehicle.

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The charges say investigators reviewed footage of the traffic stop and were able to match the individuals and the vehicle with images taken from the Rochester VFW’s security cameras. The complaint notes that nothing was stolen during the break-in.

Paananen-Berneche entered a guilty plea to a charge of first-degree property damage in Olmsted County Court in April. He was sentenced this morning to 21 months in prison, with credit for nearly 500 days he has already spent in jail.

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Court records indicate Paananen-Beneche is currently an inmate at the Moose Lake State Prison. He was sent to the correctional facility last month to serve a 23 month sentence for a burglary conviction in Hennepin County. She previously served prison sentences for burglary convictions in Ramsey and Washington County.

READ MORE: Charges: Rochester VFW Was Victimized by Statewide Burglary Operation

Paananen-Berneche also faces federal charges. He is one of eight men indicted on racketeering charges in connection with the alleged statewide burglary operation accused of being responsible for 44 burglaries across the state.

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