Prolific gym burglar sentenced to 75 months in prison

An Eagan man who pleaded guilty to multiple thefts at gyms and health clubs around the metro area was sentenced to 75 months in prison, Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman announced Wednesday.

Demitriy Alexandrovich Sokolov, 34, pleaded guilty to one count of identity theft, two counts of third-degree burglary, one count of auto theft and one count of possession of burglary tools. He was sentenced Tuesday. The prosecutor had been seeking a longer sentence because Sokolov has multiple convictions for similar offenses dating from 2003.

According to the criminal complaint, on February 2, police responded to a reported burglary at Target Center Lifetime Fitness in downtown Minneapolis. Officers learned that Sokolov had been repeatedly entering gyms and health clubs around the Twin Cities and misrepresenting himself as a member. After using a victim’s gym ID to gain access to a club, Sokolov would break into lockers and steal wallets, cash, credit cards, IDs, jewelry and car keys.

Lifetime Fitness was aware of a rash of thefts and knew Sokolov’s identity when he entered the gym on February 2. Officers located Sokolov hiding in a bathroom and he had a screwdriver with him.

Further investigation showed that between July 31, 2017 and February 2, 2018, Sokolov had gained access to multiple health clubs and gyms in Hennepin, Anoka, Dakota and Ramsey Counties and stolen property from gym patrons. Locations included a YMCA in Burnsville, Eagan Community Center, Eden Prairie Community Center, LA Fitness in St. Louis Park and Lifetime Fitness in Minnetonka, St. Paul, Fridley and Eden Prairie. Nineteen victims were identified.

Two victims reported that their car keys had been stolen from their gym lockers and their cars stolen.

Sokolov Burglary Criminal Complaint (PDF)

Sokolov Possession of Burglary Tools Criminal Complaint (PDF)