Man charged in at least 2 burglaries from camper trailers in Butler County

BUTLER COUNTY, Mo. (KBSI) – A man faces burglary, stealing and property damage charges after sheriff’s deputies say he stole items from camper trailers in Butler County.

James Lewis Boyer faces two counts of burglary – 2nd degree, stealing, – $750 or more, stealing – all other property and two counts of property damage – second degree.

An investigator with the Butler County Sheriff’s Office says that on Wednesday, July 3 someone reported burglaries and thefts from his/her camper trailers that were parked on private property in Butler County.

The victim told authorities someone pried open the door causing about $200 in damage to the door and lock.

Boyer is accused of stealing a tackle box full of fishing accessories, a full 30 pound propane tank, a deep cycle fishing battery and digging up about $300 in 3 stage wire that powered the camper. The total damage and stolen property was valued at $750.

Another person reported someone also entered his camper and by prying open the door causing about $200 in damage. The suspect stole one flame thrower, an air compressor, two full propane tanks, a Kurieg coffee maker, flash light, binoculars, camo clothing, bedding, fishing equipment, and inflatable mattress, a knife sharpener and a tool box with assorted tools. The second victim told authorities the suspect dug up about $236 worth of 3 stage wire that power the camper. The total damage and stolen property is valued at $2,686.

One of victims provided authorities with a picture from a trail camera of two suspects. One of them was later identified as Boyer.

Butler County Sheriff’s deputies and Poplar Bluff police executed a search warrant at the home of one of the suspects in Poplar Bluff.

Boyer was found hiding in a bedroom with his seven-year-old daughter. Authorities say the other suspect had left the home.

During a search of the home, authorities say they recovered several of the items that were stolen.

Investigators also seized other property they say was stolen from at least five other burglaries.

Authorities interviewed Boyer on July 9. That’s when they say he admitted to burglarizing two camper trailers and stealing items from those trailers.