Muskego Man Charged with Burglary Caught Holding the Bag, Say Police

Muskego Police responded to a call of a prowler on Glenbrook Drive on March 19, and found the suspect had more than just someone else's backpack.

According to the criminal complaint:

A neighbor called to report a prowler outside of his residence, and upon arriving Muskego Police found Jacob Mayer, 20, matching the man's description and standing on the porch of his parents' house. Police reported that they knew from previous contact that Mayer was not allowed in their home and questioned him.

Mayer admitted to being near the home of the caller, but denied he had entered. While speaking with him, police stated they detected a strong odor of intoxicants, and a subsequent breathalizer resulted in a blood alcohol reading of 0.19.

A dispatcher informed police of previous charges in Racine County for criminal damage to property and burglary related to an incident at a business in Waterford. Mayer is awaiting trial in that case on April 23.

Near the front porch where they found Mayer originally, police also found a black backpack, which Mayer said was his, containing a bottle of Corona and also school supplies belonging to another neighbor on Woodland Place. The report stated that at that time Mayer told them the backpack belonged to a friend, but upon contacting the backpack's owner, found it was taken without permission from inside the residence of its owner, who lived in the same neighborhood.

Tracks in the snow matching Mayer's were found leading to both residences, and Mayer was arrested and taken in to the Muskego Police Department for further questioning. There they also found a pipe containing residue that tested positive for marijuana.

He has been charged with one count of burglary, two counts of felony bail jumping and possession of drug paraphernalia in Waukesha County Court. He was released on a $400 cash bond with a $1000 signature bond.

If convicted, Mayer faces up a maximum penalty of $45,000 and 24 years in prison. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for March 28.