An Albert Lea man arrested for a series of burglaries across the county has pleaded guilty to third-degree burglary.

David Thomas Neely, 27, stole about $200 to $250 in cash from a cash box at K&K Fabrication on Nov. 26, 2000.

According to the criminal complaint, Neely and two other people broke into the building by prying open the door, and took the money.

Investigators concluded that Neely and his burglary ring had broken into at least 12 businesses in the county between November 2000 and June 2001.

The group was apprehended after one of the members injured his leg when a safe they were trying to pry open tipped over at the Albert Lea Moose Lodge. The suspect left his shoe behind.

The businesses they burglarized include the Myrtle Elevator, Hunter’s Bar, Conger Liquor Store, Julio’s Bar, Clarks Grove Lumber Yard and the Emmons American Legion.

The members told the police that they needed money to buy methamphetamine. Neely has been previously convicted for drug crimes.