Man pleads guilty to stealing over $100k in merchandise, mostly in Multnomah County

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – A man accused of stealing over $100,000 in merchandise — mostly Multnomah County — and firing a gun into a crowd in May pleaded guilty to the crimes Tuesday, according to the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office.

Ryan Poffenberger, 37, originally pleaded not guilty to charges that he had targeted retailers including Ulta Beauty, Home Goods, TJ Maxx to amass the stolen items. More than 50 documented incidents in Multnomah County totaled over $70,000 alone.

Poffenberger was first arrested for first-degree theft on Dec. 21, 2023 during a routine retail theft mission by the Portland Police Bureau.

On Sept. 24, Poffenberger changed his plea, admitting guilt to possession of a firearm, unauthorized use of a vehicle, two counts of second-degree burglary, and three counts of first-degree theft.

He will serve more than 5 years in prison with an additional three years of post-prison supervision, according to court officials.