APD arrests home burglary suspect who posed as inspector

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Police arrested a man accused of posing as an inspector who visited multiple homes throughout Albuquerque before burglarizing them.

Police accuse Philip Cotham Jr. of multiple home burglaries throughout the city between June 26 and July 28.

Investigators allege Cotham repeatedly wore a roofing company shirt and posed as a contractor inspecting homes. They say many of the victims had home surveillance cameras that captured video essential to tracking Cotham down.

Police found Cotham with the help of their air unit Wednesday morning. Before the arrest, Cotham was allegedly trying to break into a home near Taylor Ranch.

While detained, he reportedly admitted to multiple burglaries. Detectives also say he was wearing jewelry from a previous unreported burglary that morning.

Cotham faces two counts of residential burglary. He also faces one count each of breaking and entering, tampering with evidence and criminal damage to property over $100.

APD’s Pawn Shop Unit reportedly tracked down some of the stolen goods being resold. They’re also working to return “as much of it as possible” to victims.