A burglary suspect will spend three years in prison following a guilty plea for burglarising a residential home with his girlfriend.
The suspect, Bryan Alan Berg, 42, faced at least five counts in a grand jury indictment. According to court records filed by Maricopa County Superior Court, Berg was involved with co-defendants Mia Tanner, Ian Chang, Joseph Dessell and Keith Goembel. On September 10, 2024 the defendants supposedly arrived at a home near Dobson and Ray roads. Berg and the others allegedly entered the residence and restrained multiple victims in an attempted burglary.
The home belongs to Imadele Lona, a Chandler resident. According to the official statement from victim Richard Lona, he identified his wife of 20 plus years, Mia Tanner as the primary suspect and said Berg aimed a deadly weapon at him.
“He intended to cause physical injury if necessary,” said Sven Eriksson, state prosecutor.
Lona stated that he and his wife had been separated for some time. According to Lona, Tanner called threatening him and asking for her “stuff” back. Lona insisted he had nothing that belonged to her and refused. Mere days later Tanner, Berg and the others allegedly burglarized the home in an attempt to retrieve Tanner’s belongings.
After his Miranda rights had been read, Berg admitted to being at the residence at the request of his girlfriend, Tanner. He indicated he was handed a firearm and identified Dessell and Chang as also being armed during the incident.
During the break in, victim Mercedes Angal, who was visiting the home, reported seeing the break in and being told to “kiss the ground” by the defendants according to the pre-sentence investigation report.
Upon investigation, authorities located a truck on the street. Inside was an AK-47, presumably used by the assailant and a bag of prescription pills clearly labeled with Tanner’s name.
Attempting to burglarize a home in Arizona is a count one, class two dangerous felony. Berg has been charged with burglary in the first degree, conspiracy to commit burglary in the first degree, aggravated assault and use of a deadly weapon, kidnapping, and misconduct involving weapons because Berg is a prohibited possessor after five previous felonies.
Berg’s mitigation and sentencing occurred Oct. 16 after lengthy plea agreements and trials. Berg pled guilty according to his agreement and confirmed with Judge Jacki Ireland.
“Yes I plead guilty. I sincerely apologize ma’am,” said Berg.
After reviewing the indictment, Berg’s attorney Rowland Short Jr. asked for consideration due to the influential circumstances at hand. Ireland disagreed, citing the fact that Berg already had five other felony convictions.
“We have taken into account the substance abuse and mental health issues.” Ireland said.
Ireland concurred that the plea agreement had been well thought over and seemed fit for Berg’s situation and past criminal history.
“We appreciate your time, your honor,” said Short.
Berg has been sentenced with a mitigated term of three years in prison for count one conspiracy to commit burglary. Ireland noted that if the plea agreement was written in her court room, she would not have been so generous.
“This is a one time gift from the state Mr. Berg. This will not happen again.”Ireland said.
While Berg’s case is closed, some co-defendants in this case await sentencing. The supposed burglary leader, Tanner, was sentenced by Judge Daniel Martin for a term of 6.5 years.
“We just hope after all this he will finally turn his life around,” said Eriksson.
Edited by Shi Bradley
