Bismarck, North Dakota –A man arrested in connection with a late-night convenience store break-in in Bismarck has pleaded guilty and received a jail sentence after admitting to stealing beer from the business. The unusual case took another turn when police say the suspect later called officers himself and asked to be arrested.
Incident Overview
Rathy Roman has pleaded guilty to two counts of burglary stemming from a December incident at a gas station located near Divide Avenue and State Street in Bismarck. Authorities say the burglary involved property damage, unlawful entry, and theft, all occurring during overnight hours when the store was closed to the public.
The case drew attention not only because of the break-in itself, but also because of Roman’s actions afterward, which included contacting law enforcement while allegedly consuming the stolen items.
Timeline of Events
According to police reports, the incident unfolded late at night in December, when officers were alerted to a break-in at a convenience store in north Bismarck. Investigators say Roman broke a glass window, crawled into the building, and removed beer from inside the store.
Several hours later, police were dispatched again after receiving an unexpected call. Officers say Roman contacted them directly and stated that he needed to be taken into custody. When officers arrived, they found him drinking one of the beers believed to have been taken during the burglary.
Details From Police and Officials
Bismarck police reported that the glass damage indicated a forced entry and that the suspect did not have permission to be inside the store. During questioning, Roman reportedly explained his actions by telling officers he did not have any money at the time of the break-in.
“He told officers he didn’t have any money,” police noted when describing Roman’s explanation for the burglary.
Law enforcement officials documented the incident as a clear case of unlawful entry and theft, resulting in two separate burglary charges tied to the same night.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
Following his arrest, Roman pleaded guilty in court to two burglary counts. A judge sentenced him to one year in jail for the first count and 18 months for the second count, reflecting the seriousness of repeated unlawful entry offenses.
The sentences were ordered with credit for 29 days already served, meaning Roman’s total remaining jail time may be reduced. The judge also confirmed that Roman is eligible for sentence reduction, depending on behavior and compliance with jail regulations.
Court records show that the sentencing aligns with North Dakota guidelines for felony burglary cases involving property damage and theft.
Key Facts at a Glance
• Defendant: Rathy Roman
• Location: Divide Avenue and State Street, Bismarck
• Charges: Two counts of burglary
• Sentence: 1 year + 18 months in jail
• Credit for time served: 29 days
• Eligibility: Sentence reduction approved by the judge
• Incident date: December
Additional Context on Burglary and Public Safety
Burglary cases involving convenience stores often occur during overnight hours when businesses are closed and staffing is minimal. Law enforcement agencies stress the importance of reinforced glass, alarm systems, and surveillance cameras to deter break-ins and assist investigations.
Police also note that economic hardship is sometimes cited by suspects as a reason for theft, though officials emphasize that financial difficulty does not justify criminal activity. Community programs and social services are available for individuals struggling with housing, food, or employment challenges.
Conclusion
The case involving Rathy Roman highlights both the consequences of burglary and the unusual circumstances that can arise during criminal investigations. With a guilty plea entered and sentencing completed, the matter now moves into the correctional phase, where sentence reduction may depend on conduct and compliance.
Authorities continue to encourage residents and business owners to report suspicious activity promptly and to take preventive measures to protect property.
If you live or operate a business in the area, share your experiences in the comments below.
