Brittany Gore, age 27 has been arrested and charged with Burglary, Criminal Trespass, and Criminal Damage after alert neighbors on the victim called authorities about a possible burglary.
A second suspect, 28-year-old Nicholas Lankford, was also arrested and charged with Burglary, Criminal Trespass, Criminal Damage, Theft, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and a probation violation warrant.
Gore was booked into the Camp Verde Detention Center where she remains on a $10,000 bond. Lankford was also booked into the Camp Verde Detention Center and remains in-custody on a $32,500 bond.
At approximately 2:30 p.m., Yavapai County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to a possible burglary in progress at a home in the 20700 block of E Mingus Drive, Cordes Lakes. The witnesses reported seeing 2 suspects enter the known unoccupied home and remain inside. Deputies arrived quickly and set a containment around the house.
Deputies approached the front of the house and noticed the door had been damaged indicating forcible entry.
Following several verbal notifications that law enforcement officers were present, there was no response. At the rear of the home, deputies found a window in the rear door pried open and during a closer check saw a female walking nearby. Deputies forced the door open and Gore was detained. Gore admitted Lankford was also in the home and he was found hiding underneath a bed and also detained.
While checking the house for additional suspects, deputies noted every room had been ransacked and many items damaged. Tables were turned over and drawers dumped out throughout the house.
Lankford was searched and a meth pipe and piece of jewelry was seized. A backpack and purse belonging to Gore was found inside the home and full of stolen jewelry. The victim confirmed these items belonged to his late wife.
Deputies also located a list of addresses with a cell phone belonging to Gore notating which homes were for sale. This indicates some planning on the part of these suspects and a crime prevention tip highlighting that such homes may be targets for thieves. These neighbors, knowing the home was unoccupied because of shared information, were able to report the suspicious activity quickly as a result.
While in custody, Lankford admitted to ingesting several pills, possibly oxycodone based, and became ill. He was treated by Mayer Fire personnel on scene then transported to a local hospital for follow-up regarding overdose symptoms before booking.
Deputies continue investigating the activity of Gore and Lankford with the possibility of other crimes in the area. If you have any information regarding the suspects, please contact Yavapai Silent Witness at 1800-932-3232 or the Sheriff’s Office at 928-771-3260. Refer to case number 18-042977.