Possible Nationwide Gym Theft Ring Busted By Bellevue Police

BELLEVUE, WA — Three men thought to be responsible for dozens of thefts from gyms in Washington and other states have either been arrested or identified for arrest by Bellevue police.

Troy Mitchell, 50, the man who police believe is the leader of the theft ring, was arrested at a rental car counter near Sea-Tac Airport on Aug. 26. Accomplice Sean Savage, 49, was arrested on Aug. 28. Police have issued a warrant for a third man, Sidney Williams, 50, who might be in Wisconsin, police said.

The men would use fake IDs to access fitness clubs. Then, they would take credit cards and other items from gym members. In Bellevue, police say the men hit LA Fitness and 24-Hour Fitness gyms. The men made about $16,000 in purchases with the stolen credit cards.

The men may have also carried out similar crimes at gyms in Minnesota and Colorado, Bellevue police say. Mitchell was caught with fake IDs from Nevada and Illinois.

Mitchell was arrested on nine counts of theft, identity theft, and conspiracy to commit identity theft. Savage was arrested on charges of theft, identity theft, and possession of stolen property.