UPDATED 4:45 p.m.
URBANA — A Mahomet teen who allegedly entered a neighbor's home twice in the last week has been charged with residential burglary.
A Champaign County sheriff's deputy's report said the victim caught the intruder by setting up a video camera in his bedroom.
Cody M. Turpin, 17, who listed an address in the 400 block of Kendall, Mahomet, was charged Thursday with two counts of residential burglary, alleging that he entered the same house on Richland, also in the Candlewood Estates Mobile Home Park, on Sept. 28 and again on Oct. 3, intending to steal.
The deputy's report said that on Friday, Sept. 28, the victim discovered cash missing from his bedroom dresser and thought his own children might have been responsible but they denied having taken the money.
On Monday and again on Tuesday, the victim found items out of place in his home and cabinets and drawers open. He then set up a video camera in his bedroom.
On Wednesday, the camera captured footage of a young man, later identified as Turpin, in the bedroom looking for items for about 18 minutes. He apparently removed his shoes when entering through an unlocked sliding glass door and covered his hands with his sleeves while inside the home, the report said.
The resident recognized him but didn't know his name. Employees of the mobile home park identified him for deputies, who arrested him Wednesday.
If convicted of residential burglary, Turpin faces a mandatory prison term of between four and 15 years.
Turpin’s bond was set at $1,500. His next court appearance was set for Nov. 13.
I do not approve of stealing, ever for any reason, but give me a break! People who don't LOCK THEIR DOORS are asking for trouble! Geez!
Locks only keep honest people out.