A Pella juvenile has been charged in the commission of a residential burglary, operation of a motor vehicle without the owner’s consent, and theft.

According to the Pella Police Department, on January 23, 2016, a burglary occurred in the 1200 block of Franklin St. in Pella. During the burglary a key was located and the homeowner’s motor vehicle was stolen from their garage. On January 24, 2016, the vehicle was located and stopped by law enforcement in Ellis, Kansas, and a juvenile from Pella was found was found to be operating it. At that time the operator was placed under arrest.

In addition to the above crimes, the juvenile sold a computer belonging to another during his journey away from Pella. This act was inconsistent with the property owner’s rights and constitutes an additional crime. Investigators completed the case investigation by interviewing the juvenile involved. The vehicle was recovered, without damage, and returned to the owners. The stolen computer was also located and is in the process of being returned to the owner.

The juvenile involved was charged by the Pella Police Department and transferred to the
Juvenile Detention Center in Eldora, IA.

Charges are below:

Burglary 3rd degree Class D Felony

Operating a motor Vehicle without owner’s Consent Aggravated Misdemeanor

Theft 3rd degree Aggravated Misdemeanor

A Class D Felony carries a period of confinement of up to 5 years and a fine of between $750 and $7,500 for each conviction.

An Aggravated Misdemeanor carries a period of confinement of up to 2 years and a fine between $500 and $5,000 for each conviction.