Deputies: Muncie man twice burglarized co-worker's Blackford County home
HARTFORD CITY, Ind. — A Muncie man is accused of twice burglarizing the home of an acquaintance in Blackford County.
Michael R. Casarez, 32, was charged this week in Blackford Circuit Court with two counts of burglary, two counts of residential entry and three counts of theft.
According to an affidavit, the occupant of a home along North Ind. 3 told Blackford County sheriff's deputies an intruder entered his home on March 4 after shattering a garage window with a brick.
A second break-in at the house was reported on March 13, when a hammer was used to break another window.
During the two burglaries, various items — including a .45-caliber handgun, jewelry, a large-screen TV, a laptop computer, clothing, swords, a jar full of coins and a video game system — were stolen.
More: Police: Men held after guns, meds, jewelry and gold coins taken from Muncie home
The victim noted the day of the first break-in, he received two text messages from a co-worker he knew only as "Gordo" asking about his plans for the day.
Deputies determined "Gordo" was Casarez.
They also obtained surveillance video from a Muncie pawn shop that allegedly showed Casarez, on March 5, selling a gold ring that had been stolen from the Blackford County home.
Investigators on March 14 received a warrant to search Casarez's Muncie home, in the 2300 block of South Mulberry Street.
According to the affidavit, items found in the house and Casarez's vehicles included the victim's wallet, debit cards and checkbook, along with the missing swords, video game system, television and computer, and the Blackford County man's clothing.
Interviewed by deputies on March 15, Casarez reportedly admitted to the break-ins. He said he had sold the stolen handgun for $200 to a person he met on Facebook.
The Muncie man continues to be held in the Blackford County Jail under a $10,000 cash bond.
The robbery charges against him are Level 4 felonies with maximum 12-year sentences.
One of the theft counts, referring to the theft of the gun, is a Level 5 felony carrying up to six years in prison, while the residential entry counts are Level 6 felonies with maximum 30-month sentences.
Court records reflect Casarez, formerly of New Castle, has been convicted of driving while intoxicated and public intoxication.
Douglas Walker is a news reporter at The Star Press. Contact him at 765-213-5851 or at dwalker@muncie.gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Muncie Star Press: Muncie man faces two counts of burglary in Blackford County break-ins
