Man charged with burglarizing homes, selling stolen items on Craigslist

EDINBURG — Authorities have charged a man who allegedly burglarized seven homes and attempted to sell the items he stole on the popular classifieds Web site Craigslist.org.

Verlin Lamkin, 26, was charged with seven counts of burglary of a habitation and one count of theft at his arraignment Thursday, Edinburg Police Chief Quirino Muñoz said. Hidalgo County Justice of the Peace Mary Alice Palacios set the man’s bond at $220,000.

Police arrested him this week at a Wal-mart store, where an officer recognized him as a possible suspect in the burglaries. The man was carrying a stolen knife and wearing a stolen watch and ring, the chief said.

Lamkin is also wanted in California for a parole violation after serving prison time for burglary. Muñoz said the man may face additional charges for several other burglaries in Pharr and McAllen.

If convicted on the more serious charge, Lamkin could face up to 20 years in prison and a possible fine of up to $10,000.

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Ana Ley covers law enforcement and general assignments for The Monitor. She can be reached at (956) 683-4428.