A Toledo woman is once again facing serious criminal charges after being accused of stealing thousands of dollars in fireworks—this time from the same warehouse she targeted in a previous crime.
Repeat Fireworks Theft Lands Brenda Hall Back in Court
Brenda J. Hall, 52, of Toledo, Washington, returned to Lewis County Superior Court this week, charged with:
- Second-degree burglary
- Second-degree theft
- First-degree unlawful possession of a firearm
Hall was previously convicted in 2025 for stealing over $1,000 in fireworks from the Winlock warehouse owned by Jake’s Fireworks. She had been sentenced to six months of community custody for that case.
Now, she’s accused of stealing even more — an estimated $3,000 in fireworks — from the same warehouse.
How the Alleged Theft Happened
According to court documents, the latest theft took place on January 25, 2026:
- Two suspects entered the warehouse through a roll-up door
- They stole boxes of fireworks from a tractor trailer inside
- Surveillance footage showed Hall, who was allegedly recognized by the warehouse manager
- A Lewis County sheriff’s deputy compared the video to Hall’s official photo and confirmed her identity
The second suspect has not yet been identified.
Evidence Found in Hall’s Home and Vehicle
After identifying Hall as a suspect, authorities obtained search warrants. According to the investigation:
- Boxes of fireworks matching the stolen inventory were found in an outbuilding on Hall’s property
- A vehicle owned by Hall also contained evidence
- Inside her home, a loaded .22-caliber rifle was allegedly found in plain view in the living room
Since Hall is a convicted felon, she is legally banned from owning firearms, which led to the additional gun charge.
Courtroom Drama: Judge Disqualification Request
During her preliminary appearance, Hall claimed she had filed an appeal for her 2025 conviction and asked for Judge Joely Yeager to be removed from the case due to her previous involvement.
Judge Yeager reminded Hall she had the right to file an official affidavit, but noted no such document had been filed. After discussing with her stand-in attorney, Rachael Tiller, Hall agreed to proceed with the preliminary hearing.
Her appointed attorney, Don Blair, is expected to address the disqualification issue at a future date.
Bail and Arraignment Details
Judge Yeager set Hall’s bail at $10,000 cash or bond, agreeing with the state’s recommendation. She cited concerns over Hall’s ability to follow court orders, especially since Hall had just completed her Department of Corrections supervision a month earlier.
Hall pleaded not guilty to all charges during her arraignment on Thursday.
What Happens Next?
A trial-setting hearing is scheduled for February 5, 2026, where the court will determine when her trial will take place.
