Igor Cooper Rosensteel (left), 22-year-old student Richard Nathan Landa (center) and 22-year-old Ian Robert Hammer (right) face charges in connection with a string of burglaries from the Varsity Team House.
UPDATE: The Prince George’s County District Court dismissed all charges for Richard Landa on Feb. 26, 2013.
Original story below, from Jan. 10, 2013:
University Police arrested and charged three suspects in connection with a string of burglaries at the Varsity Team House, according to University Police spokesman Capt. Marc Limansky.
All three men were charged with second- and fourth-degree burglary, which carry maximum penalties of 15 years and three years respectively, according to the Maryland State Commission on Criminal Sentencing Policy.
Ian Robert Hammer, a 22-year-old university student, also faces a charge of theft between $1,000 and $10,000 — which carries a maximum 10-year sentence. Richard Nathan Landa, also a 22-year-old university student, and Igor Cooper Rosensteel, of Middle River, face charges of theft between $10,000 and $100,000, carrying a maximum 15-year sentence.
In November, the individuals allegedly broke into the Varsity Team House on three separate occasions; they reportedly stole lacrosse sticks, winter jackets, track suits and various other items valued at more than $20,000, Limansky said. Police are only aware of three incidents, but there may have been more, he added.
The investigation led police to eBay, where some of the items were listed for sale. Questioning the seller, whom Limansky called an “unwitting participant,” led police to the three suspects.
A crime prevention officer is reviewing the case to determine how to protect the Varsity Team House from future break-ins, Limansky said. The Varsity Team House only has exterior cameras, and the crime prevention officer will likely suggest installing more inside, he added.
“Anytime there’s a large theft or burglary, we go back to the department and look to see if there is anything they need [to prevent future crimes],” Limansky said.
How the suspects gained access to the building is still unknown. Athletic department staff found doors propped open on some nights, Limansky said.
The investigation is ongoing and individuals with information are urged to contact University Police’s criminal investigations unit at 301-405-1796.