Sioux Falls fairgrounds worker accused in theft of gold coins, jewelry

SIOUX FALLS (AP) — A former grounds worker at the W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds in Sioux Falls is facing burglary and theft charges.

The media reports that 25-year-old Joseph Mirth Jr. is accused of stealing thousands of dollars' worth of gold coins and jewelry from a flea market vendor at the fairground's Expo Building last October.

Authorities allege that Mirth donned a facemask, entered the building at night, shattered glass cases holding the items and emptied the cases. They say the burglary was captured by video surveillance cameras.

Mirth is to stand trial in early March on the charges that could land him in prison for up to 26 years if he's convicted. A telephone listing for him could not immediately be found.

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