Gyms Across The Twin Cities Burglarized

HENNEPIN COUNTY, MN — An Eagan man who pleaded guilty to multiple thefts at gyms and health clubs around the Twin Cities metro area was sentenced to 75 months in prison Tuesday.

Demitriy Alexandrovich Sokolov, 34, pleaded guilty to one count of identity theft, two counts of third-degree burglary, one count of auto theft and one count of possession of burglary tools.

According to the criminal complaint, on Feb. 2, police responded to a reported burglary at Target Center Lifetime Fitness in downtown Minneapolis.

Officers learned that Sokolov had been repeatedly entering gyms and health clubs around the Twin Cities and misrepresenting himself as a member. After using a victim’s gym ID to gain access to a club, Sokolov would break into lockers and steal wallets, cash, credit cards, IDs, jewelry and car keys, according to police.

Lifetime Fitness was aware of a rash of thefts and knew Sokolov’s identity when he entered the gym on February 2. Officers found Sokolov hiding in a bathroom and he had a screwdriver with him.

Investigators later learned Sokolov had gained access to multiple health clubs and gyms in Hennepin, Anoka, Dakota and Ramsey Counties and stolen property from gym members.

Locations included a YMCA in Burnsville, Eagan Community Center, Eden Prairie Community Center, LA Fitness in St. Louis Park and Lifetime Fitness in Minnetonka, St. Paul, Fridley and Eden Prairie.

Authorities identified 19 people who were victims of the "prolific gym burglar." Two victims reported that their car keys had been stolen from their gym lockers and their cars stolen.

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