A 26-year-old Millcreek man who worked in pest control is facing felony charges after Summit County sheriff's deputies say they found stolen jewelry in his work truck and one insecticide container during a service call. Prosecutors in Utah's 3rd District Court charged Eric Michael Thomas on October 12 with second-degree felony burglary of a dwelling and second-degree felony theft, days after his arrest on October 9.
According to court affidavits cited by KSL, the charges followed an investigation into how Thomas allegedly operated on his service routes. Court affidavits reported by TownLift state that Thomas showed up unannounced at a Summit County residence on October 9, telling the homeowner it was the final chance for winter pest treatment before going inside and shutting himself inside the primary bedroom closet — behavior that prompted the homeowner's suspicion and, ultimately, a call to deputies.
When deputies arrived, they watched Thomas placing items inside his work truck, according to the Park Record. Officers recovered a gold necklace and silver coin from under a floor mat, along with a silver ring, pendant necklace, and gold bracelet hidden inside an insecticide container that Thomas had dumped out, the paper reported.
Jewelry Invoices Top $14,700
Invoices the victimized resident provided for three of the recovered jewelry pieces totaled $14,719.69, the station's report notes — and that figure didn't even include a diamond necklace the resident says was stolen during a prior service visit a month earlier. Under Utah Code § 76-6-412, theft is classified as a second-degree felony when stolen property or services reach $5,000 in value.
The burglary charge carries its own weight under state law. Utah Code § 76-6-202 makes entering or remaining unlawfully in a building with intent to commit theft a second-degree felony when the building is a dwelling, carrying a potential prison sentence of one to 15 years.
Admission to Stealing From More Than 10 Homes
Court affidavits cited by the Park Record state that Thomas admitted to deputies he steals from clients' homes frequently, estimating he had taken high-value items from more than 10 homes in the area and that he kept the stolen goods in a box at his residence. Prosecutors have asked a 3rd District Court judge to hold Thomas without bail while he awaits trial, arguing in court filings that he presents a potential flight risk, per the same KSL report.
The case has prompted the Summit County Sheriff's Office to put out a public appeal. The office is asking residents to report any burglaries or thefts that may have occurred in their homes over the past six months. Detectives say they've recovered items of value, primarily small electronics and jewelry, that haven't yet been identified, and investigators believe those items may be connected to additional unreported incidents.
How to Report Missing Property
The sheriff's office is encouraging residents to come forward even if they've already reported an incident separately, in case it relates to this investigation. The office is asking that reports include photos, descriptions, distinguishing features, special markings, engravings, or serial numbers, since those details could help detectives determine whether the recovered items match reported burglaries or thefts. Residents can reach the office's non-emergency dispatch line at 435-615-3601.
The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food regulates commercial pesticide applicators, whose licensing pathway includes a three-year recertification cycle.
KSL reported that deputies served a search warrant at Thomas's home and discovered high-end jewelry he admitted stealing from other clients. It remains unclear how many victims have come forward since the sheriff's office issued its public appeal.
