Police in Clarkston said a man arrested in the city last week confessed to a March 31 break-in at Clarkston United Methodist Church.
According to Police Chief Dale LaCroix, interviews with Bryan Mattson, 18, led to the recovery of about $2,000 in goods stolen from the church. LaCroix said Mattson also admitted responsibility for two break-ins that occurred at the church in November.
Church officials reported laptop computers, voice recorders, DVDs, an iPod and a Play station among missing items.
On each occasion, Mattson, who was arraigned April 8 in 52-2 District Court on three counts of breaking and entering, allegedly entered the church after breaking a window in the rear of the building.
Mattson is a Clarkston city resident who had been attending Renaissance High School. He is currently lodged at Oakland County Jail on $150,000 bond?$50,000 per count.
Each count is a felony carrying a 10-year maximum penalty.
Although Mattson has no prior criminal record, LaCroix said police had previous minor dealings and suspected him in the break-ins.
LaCroix credited Clarkston Police officer Roy Johnson in the case.
‘Johnson is really the one who did all the work,? LaCroix said. ‘He did all the follow-up and put everything together for us.?
LaCroix said Oakland County Sheriff’s Office deputies from the Independence Township substation were also instrumental in the case.
‘They sent a dog out to help with a track,? he said. ‘And (school liaison) Deputy Gary Crake helped us out quite a bit.?
According to LaCroix, Mattson was also connected to several cases in Independence Township, but those reports were not immediately available at the substation.