A 47-year-old man from Lake Oswego has been sentenced to more than three years in prison after admitting to a series of burglaries targeting storage units and small businesses in the Portland area.
Joseph Patrick Doherty pleaded guilty on April 3 to first- and second-degree burglary charges. His sentencing took place this week following an investigation that quickly identified him—partly due to a crucial mistake.
Authorities say Doherty left behind court documents bearing his name and address at a storage facility on Southwest Barbur Boulevard in Portland, providing investigators with a direct lead.
According to the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office, Doherty broke into at least five storage units in June 2025, stealing a wide range of items including electronics, jewelry, clothing, kitchenware and collectible memorabilia. He reportedly returned multiple times and transported the stolen goods by loading bins onto the roof of his car.
Prosecutors said the thefts placed a heavy financial burden on victims, including one storage unit owner who reported losses exceeding $86,000.
In addition to the storage unit crimes, Doherty admitted to burglarizing three businesses in the Multnomah Village area, taking items such as women’s clothing, purses and jewelry.
Surveillance footage captured Doherty at several of the crime scenes. When police eventually arrested him, officials said he was wearing some of the stolen jewelry.
Court records show Doherty has a long criminal history spanning more than two decades, including prior arrests related to burglary and other offenses.
Prosecutors emphasized that his actions targeted small businesses and individuals, causing significant financial and personal losses.
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