A Jonesboro man is in custody after being accused of stealing an Xbox console from the home of a resident for whom he occasionally mowed grass, according to authorities.
Craighead County District Judge David Boling ruled Wednesday that there was probable cause to charge 21-year-old Michael Trotter with criminal attempt to commit aggravated residential burglary, a Class B felony; residential burglary, a Class B felony; and misdemeanor theft of property valued at $1,000 or less.
Police reports state that on July 30, residents of a home on the 1400 block of West College Avenue reported the theft of their Xbox console. Witnesses told officers they had seen Trotter earlier that day leaving their property with a noticeable bulge in his shorts pocket resembling the console's size and shape.
According to a probable cause affidavit, camera footage from days prior to the theft allegedly showed Trotter at the front door of the residence dressed in all black, wearing a mask, and with his hand in his pocket as if to imply possession of a weapon. The footage reportedly captured him attempting to open the door before retreating in apparent surprise.
On Aug. 18, a Jonesboro detective assisting probation and parole officers with a room search recovered the missing Xbox, which was located in a room covered under Trotter’s probation agreement. Probation officers reported seeing Trotter attempt to hide something in a closet as they entered.
Officers confirmed the Xbox belonged to the victim through its serial number.
The affidavit states that, after being read his Miranda rights, Trotter admitted to posing as if he had a weapon when he initially approached the home and later stealing the console during a separate entry into the residence.
Trotter is currently being held on a $75,000 cash or surety bond. He is scheduled to appear in court on Sept. 30.