WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL) — A Wichita Falls man has been charged with burglary of a habitation after allegedly being involved in a theft ring that targeted gold, silver, and other valuable items from a residence in the city. The investigation, which began in early October 2024, has led to the arrest of Johnathon Roderick in connection to the stolen goods.
The case started when Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) investigators noticed a large number of silver coins being sold at various locations around Wichita Falls. Upon further investigation, it was revealed that a stolen vehicle was found in Cotton County, Oklahoma, and the occupants of the vehicle had a significant amount of money and silver coins. However, the origin of these items was unknown at the time.
To gather more information, investigators set up undercover surveillance at a local gold and jewelry store, where they observed Roderick, along with other suspects, selling a large quantity of jewelry and silver coins. Authorities were able to seize the items, which were later traced back to a burglary at a home on 8th Street in Wichita Falls.
The victim of the burglary had recently inherited the home and reported discovering several missing items, including gold, jewelry, silver coins, handguns, and rifles. Following the report, law enforcement worked diligently to identify the suspects involved in the theft.
A breakthrough occurred when one of the suspects was stopped during a traffic stop and later identified Johnathon Roderick as the person who sold the stolen silver coins at the gold exchange. This led to a further investigation, and it was revealed that Roderick was currently incarcerated in Dallas County. Authorities then interviewed him, where he confessed to being involved in the crime.
Roderick admitted that he had broken into the home on 8th Street and used some of the stolen coins to buy drugs, while selling the rest at the gold exchange for approximately $12,000. He also confessed to returning to the house the following day with another suspect to steal more items, which were also sold at the exchange.
As of now, Roderick remains in custody, and his bond has been set at $150,000. The investigation is ongoing as authorities work to identify and apprehend other suspects involved in the theft ring.
Authorities urge anyone with information regarding the case to come forward and assist in bringing those responsible for the theft to justice.
