On Tuesday, September 10, 2024, at approximately 9:25 p.m., the Sugarcreek Police Department responded to a report of a possible burglary at a residence located in the 1700 block of Allegheny Blvd. Officers were notified by Venango 911 after a caller expressed concern that someone had entered the residence while the homeowner was away. The caller, who was checking on the property for the homeowner, reported that several items in the home appeared to have been disturbed.
Upon arrival, officers met with the caller, who described finding clothes scattered on the floor near the dryer and a bedroom in disarray, describing it as ransacked. Officers conducted a thorough search of the residence but found no one inside and observed no signs of forced entry. It was later confirmed that the door had been left unlocked prior to the caller’s arrival.
The caller was advised to secure the property and have the homeowner, who was out of town at the time, conduct an inventory upon returning. On September 11, 2024, the homeowner reported that multiple personal items, including underwear, bras, and other belongings, valued at approximately $445, had been stolen.
Following a thorough investigation officer conducted an interview with 18 year old Charles “CJ” Gilbert on September 8, 2024. During the interview, Gilbert admitted to entering the residence and stealing the items in question.
As a result, CJ Gilbert has been taken into custody and charged with Felony Burglary, Criminal Trespass, and Theft.