Youngsville man charged after $20 theft | News, Sports, Jobs

YOUNGSVILLE – A Youngsville man didn’t face much more than charges after allegedly trying to break into two homes on Oct. 17.

Donald K. Messenheimer, 65, of Youngsville, was charged Tuesday with burglary – overnight lodging, no person present, Class 1 felony, criminal trespass – burglary of a structure, Class 2 felony, theft by unlawful taking, chattels, two counts of criminal mischief-damage to property and two counts of loitering and prowling at night. All five lesser charges are Class 3 misdemeanors. Bail was set at $50,000 unsecured bond.

According to police documents, all Messenheimer took was a $20 bill.

Youngsville police say Messenheimer tried to break into a home on East Main Street between 3 and 4 a.m. on Oct. 17, though all he did was rip the doorbell camera off the front wall of the residence and break the handle the doors on the screen door. Total damage was $300.

“In the video, it shows a man holding a towel in front of part of his body and his face covering the camera.” the affidavit of probable cause states.

Messenheimer then allegedly moved next door and forced his way into a second home on East Main Street, taking $20 he found in the living room.

“Through interviews with area residences and assistance from victims, Donald Messenheimer was identified as a suspect,” the affidavit states.

Messenheimer was interviewed by Youngsville police officers and allegedly admitted to damaging the doorbell room and breaking into the neighbor’s home and stealing money.

It was the second burglary incident on Main Street, Youngsville, in a three-day period. Warrants have been issued for two Jamestown residents accused of stealing an electric bicycle from a garage in Youngsville on Oct. 20. Charges were filed Friday against Aaron Nazario, 39, and Sarah E. Lundsten, 42, in connection with an Oct. 20 burglary in Youngsville.

Nazario is charged with burglary, conspiracy to commit burglary and criminal trespass – entering a structure, all felony charges, as well as theft by unlawful taking and loitering and prowling at night, both misdemeanor charges. Lundsten is charged with conspiracy to commit robbery, a felony, and loitering and loitering at night, a misdemeanor.

According to the probable cause affidavit filed in Warren County Court by the Youngsville Police Department, Nazario allegedly stole an electric bicycle from a Youngsville garage valued at $1,200. The garage had been left open overnight, according to the affidavit.