Lincoln construction worker stole $4,000 in tools from boss, police say

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — A Lincoln man is accused of stealing tools from his employer, then blaming a mystery thief when he got caught.

Jorge Mena was arrested Monday on suspicion of burglary.

About 3 p.m., police responded to a home under construction near 70th and O streets.

The owner reported that someone had broken in and stolen about $4,000 worth of the contractor’s tools.

Police found that an egress window had been removed, allowing the thief to get in, according to court documents.

The contractor told officers that his employee, Mena, was responsible.

He said Mena was trying to pawn some of the tools, which the pawn shop confirmed, an arrest affidavit says.

Police said the contractor and Mena spoke on the phone and set up a meeting the D’Leon’s near 27th and Randolph streets.

There, officers watched as Mena gave the tools to the contractor, according to the affidavit.

He told his boss that someone else stole the tools and was selling them. He claimed that he bought the tools to return them to his employer.

On Tuesday, a judge set Mena’s bond at $25,000. He must pay $2,500 to be released.

Mena is due back in court Jan. 7.