CHEYENNE, Wyo. — A Cheyenne man with a long history of theft convictions is facing felony shoplifting charges after reportedly stealing over $600 worth of tools from a local Murdoch’s store.
Thomas James Omeara, born September 1973, was identified by police through surveillance footage following the Aug. 31 theft. He is charged with fifth- or subsequent-conviction theft and is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
According to court documents, officers were dispatched to Murdoch’s at 3773 E. Lincolnway after the theft report. Surveillance video shows Omeara and an unidentified accomplice entering the store at 12:45 p.m., targeting Milwaukee tools. Omeara allegedly used a Milwaukee knife to open a packaged ratchet tool, while the accomplice concealed other tools. The total value of the stolen items was $627.96.
The suspects left the store around 12:52 p.m., driving a Chevrolet Cobalt with spray-painted exterior and no registration plate. Police later stopped a black Cobalt matching the description and confirmed Omeara was the driver.
Court records show Omeara has seven prior theft-related convictions from 1991 to 2025, including charges for burglary, theft, and shoplifting in Nebraska. A $1,000 cash bond has been set.
