Cleaning Crew Conspiracy: Three Arrested in NW Baltimore Avenue Residential Burglary

BEND, OR — A coordinated home burglary on NW Baltimore Avenue has led to the arrest of three individuals, including a professional cleaner hired to service the property. The Bend Police Department revealed that the suspects conspired to steal approximately $1,200 worth of household valuables while the homeowners were out of town, leaving a trail of security footage and recovered property that ultimately sealed their arrests.

The Burglary and Conspiracy

The investigation was launched on November 29, 2025, when homeowners returned from an extended trip and discovered multiple items missing. Police determined that the home had been rented out, and a cleaning service hired by the property management company had scheduled a visit on November 16. The cleaner, identified as 36-year-old Heather Mary Cordier, arrived at the home to perform her duties. However, surveillance footage showed that approximately two hours after Cordier's arrival, two other individuals entered the residence. The three suspects departed about ten minutes later carrying garbage bags filled with the homeowners' belongings, including electronics, jewelry, and personal items.

Search Warrants and Multiple Arrests

Following a detailed investigation, Bend Police detectives secured search warrants for two local residences—one in the 20000 block of SE Tempest Drive and another in the 2000 block of NE Bellevue Drive. During the execution of the warrants, officers recovered a significant portion of the stolen items. The search also led to the arrests of the two accomplices, identified as Stephanie Lafountaine, 41, and Stephen Michael Rechner III, 47.

Heather Mary Cordier was arrested on charges of first-degree theft and conspiracy to commit first-degree burglary. Lafountaine and Rechner face charges of first-degree burglary, first-degree theft, first-degree criminal trespass, and conspiracy. Rechner was also detained on an outstanding state parole violation warrant. During the police operation, a fourth individual, 33-year-old Sergei Leonard Newlin, was also taken into custody on an unrelated parole violation warrant. The recovered items have since been returned to the homeowners, and Bend Police have advised rental owners to carefully vet third-party cleaning and maintenance services.