Man Steals From Vacant Homes to Pay for Heroin Addiction, Police Say

Two High Ridge men have been charged in connection with multiple home burglaries.

Matthew Ehlen, 18, of the 5600 block of Circle Drive, and David Howard, 22, of the 3100 block of Carlton Drive, have been charged with second-degree burglary. 

According to court documents, the burglaries occurred in five High Ridge locations: in the 2500 block of Woburn Drive; 2500 block of Somerville Road; 2800 block of Williams Creek Road; 3300 block of Walnut Ridge; and 6000 block of Antire Road. They happened between September 2012 and Jan. 19, 2013, according to court documents. 

The suspects also admitted to stealing from about 20 total houses, according to documents.

In court documents, Jefferson County police stated that Howard admitted to acting with Ehlen to steal copper pipes and HVAC equipment from vacant homes. They then sold everything, stated Howard, who said he has a heroin addiction, according to court documents.  

Second-degree burglary is a class C felony and carries with it a punishment of up to one year in jail or one to 7 years in a state prison and/or up to a $5,000 fine. 

Charges and allegations mentioned in this report do not indicate convictions.

For more crime information on Fenton-High Ridge Patch, please see the following articles:

• Dumpster Divers Nabbed Behind Value Village
• Man Charged in Connection With Fenton Business Debit Card Theft