Press Release

The State, City and University Join Forces to Stop Burglary Spree in Fairbanks

January 20, 2014

(Fairbanks, Alaska) - With the combined efforts of the Alaska State Troopers, the Fairbanks Police Department, the University of Alaska Fairbanks Police Department and the Attorney General’s Office, a crime spree involving at least 18 victims and upwards of $45,000 worth of stolen and damaged property has come to an end. A Fairbanks grand jury indicted Jerad Zabriskie of these crimes on January 16, 2014.

According to the charges, the burglaries occurred at a home, a storage trailer and approximately 15 vehicles. The items stolen included stereo equipment, tires and rims, vehicles, a bathroom sink, a washer and dryer, high quality tools and some Arctic gear.When the perpetrator stole the bathroom sink, the perpetrator simply cut the water lines and left it running.The owner was not there for several days so the water damage was extensive.

When officers finally caught Zabriskie, they found him inside one of the stolen vehicles, which he allegedly used when burglarizing other victims and stealing their property.

Jerad Zabriskie was indicted for a total of 17 felony counts: burglary in the first degree (a class B felony), three counts of vehicle theft in the first degree, burglary in the second degree, felony misuse of plates, criminal mischief in the third degree and 10 counts of theft in the second degree.

An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt, and any defendant is presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the state must prove his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Mr. Zabrinskie’s trial has been set for April of this year.

CONTACT: Assistant District Attorney Elizabeth Crail @ 451-5970.

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Department Media Contacts: Communications Director Patty Sullivan at patty.sullivan@alaska.gov or (907) 269-6368. Information Officer Sam Curtis at sam.curtis@alaska.gov or (907) 269-6269.