MESA, Ariz. - Mesa Police say a man has been booked into jail on multiple charges for allegedly burglarizing the Mesa Arts Center with his young son.
What we know:
In a statement released on Aug. 24, the suspect was identified as 31-year-old Jean Zintz. The incident happened at around 2:00 p.m. on Aug. 19.
"Investigators determined Zintz forced open a locked door to the Mesa Contemporary Arts building, causing damage to the door," police wrote. "Once inside, Zintz’s son allegedly stole approximately $7,350 worth of jewelry. Zintz is also accused of stealing a Bluetooth speaker and a piece of cactus from City of Mesa property."
Jean Zintz
What we don't know:
Police did not release the name of Zintz's son.
Dig deeper:
Investigators say Zintz and his son returned to the Mesa Arts Center on Aug. 20 to "retrieve a water bottle Zintz had reportedly left behind during the burglary."
"When they learned officers were responding, the two ran from the area and left in Zintz’s vehicle," read a portion of the statement. 'Detectives located the vehicle, conducted a traffic stop, and detained Zintz and his son."
Detectives say they found the allegedly stolen property, as well as clothing they believed to be worn during the burglary, when they searched the place Zintz and his son were staying at.
What they're saying:
"During the investigation, Zintz admitted their involvement in the burglary and told detectives he planned to take the stolen property with him to Washington, where he was scheduled to fly later that day," detectives said.
What's next:
Zintz is accused of the following, according to Mesa Police:
- Three counts of 3rd Degree Burglary (Felony)
- Three counts of Theft (Felony)
- One count of Criminal Damage (Misdemeanor)
- One count of Contributing to the Delinquency and Dependency of a Minor. (Misdemeanor)
According to Zintz's court documents, he has been convicted in the past of criminal trespass, obstructing law enforcement, theft, stalking, and order of protection violation.
A judge, meanwhile, has set a $40,000 cash-only bond for Zintz. Should he make the cash-only bond, Zintz would be subjected to various restrictions, including a ban on leaving Arizona. A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for Aug. 31.
Area where the incident happened
The Source: Information for this article was gathered from a statement released by the Mesa Police Department, and from court documents related to the case.