JONESBORO, Ark. — A Jonesboro man is accused of pretending to be armed to gain entry to a home before later allegedly breaking in and stealing a gaming console, police said.
Michael J. Trotter has been charged with criminal attempt to commit aggravated residential burglary and residential burglary, both Class B felonies. He also faces a Class A misdemeanor charge for theft of property valued at $1,000 or less from a building.
According to a probable cause affidavit, the residents of a home on West College Avenue reported their Xbox gaming console stolen on July 30. The theft was captured on doorbell camera footage, which reportedly showed a man leaving the home with a large bulge in his shorts pocket. Investigators noted that the object appeared to match the size and shape of the missing console.
Review of older footage revealed a similar incident days earlier, where a masked individual dressed in black approached the front door, kept one hand in his pocket as though concealing a weapon, and attempted to open the door. The man appeared startled and fled before entering. Authorities said the person in both recordings was identified as Trotter based on his appearance, build, height, gait, and shoes.
On August 18, probation and parole officers conducting a search with police assistance reportedly located the stolen Xbox in a room connected to Trotter. Officers also said they observed Trotter placing an object into a closet when they arrived. The gaming console was confirmed as the stolen property through its serial number.
Following his arrest, Trotter was taken to the Jonesboro Police Department, where police say he admitted to pretending to have a gun while attempting to enter the home and later returning to steal the Xbox.
Trotter’s bond was set at $75,000 cash or surety. His next court appearance is scheduled for September 30.
Suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.