Crime & Safety
Monroe County, IL Burglary: Man Faces 9 Felonies After Arrest
COLUMBIA, IL — A 27 year old southern Illinois man is facing nine felony charges following an extensive burglary investigation involving stolen all terrain vehicles, damaged business equipment and mul
By Blake Harrison · 2026-10-17T11:49:15.641Z
COLUMBIA, IL — A 27 year old southern Illinois man is facing nine felony charges following an extensive burglary investigation involving stolen all terrain vehicles, damaged business equipment and multiple buildings at a commercial property in rural Columbia, southeast of St. Louis.
According to the Monroe County Sheriff 's Department, Jake L. Beaudreau, 27, of Dupo, was charged Friday, Oct. 16, after investigators connected him to a series of alleged property crimes at a business along Dd Road in unincorporated Monroe County.
Business Suffers Extensive Damage
Deputies responded to the property at approximately 9:57 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, after receiving a burglary report at 1416 Dd Road.
Investigators determined that the alleged crimes occurred sometime between 10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9, and 9 a.m. Saturday.
Authorities discovered damaged or destroyed computers, business equipment, vehicles and property inside multiple buildings.
Several vehicles reportedly had shattered windshields, while a camper sustained broken windows. Investigators also found that two all terrain vehicles had been stolen.
Deputies later recovered both ATVs a short distance from the property. One was found in a roadside ditch, while the other was located in a nearby grassy area.
Surveillance Leads Investigators to Suspect
The Illinois State Police Crime Scene Services Unit assisted with evidence collection as Monroe County detectives launched a broader investigation.
Authorities said investigators developed leads through surveillance, evidence analysis and additional investigative technology.
Early Thursday, Oct. 15, deputies established surveillance near Beaudreau's residence in Dupo.
Investigators followed him to the Phillips 66 gas station on North Main Street in Columbia, where he was approached by plainclothes officers from the sheriff's department and Metro East Auto Theft Task Force.
Beaudreau was taken into custody without incident.
Investigators subsequently executed a court authorized search warrant at his residence.
Nine Felony Charges Filed
Monroe County State's Attorney Ryan G. Webb filed nine felony charges against Beaudreau, including six burglary counts, two counts of unlawful possession of a converted or stolen vehicle and one count of criminal damage to property involving alleged damage valued between $500 and $10,000.
The charges range from Class 2 to Class 4 felonies under Illinois law.
Suspect Released Pending Court Proceedings
Despite the nine felony charges, Beaudreau was released from custody following his arrest.
The sheriff's department explained that the release occurred under Illinois' current pretrial procedures established through the SAFE T Act.
Illinois eliminated cash bail in 2023, replacing it with a system in which pretrial detention depends on statutory eligibility and judicial findings.
Beaudreau is required to appear for future court proceedings.
Sheriff Praises Investigation
Monroe County Sheriff Neal Rohlfing credited deputies, investigators and assisting agencies for their coordinated efforts.
The sheriff said the case demonstrated the importance of investigative technology, evidence collection and cooperation among regional law enforcement agencies.
The investigation involved assistance from Illinois State Police, the Metro East Auto Theft Task Force, Columbia police, Dupo police and the Monroe County State's Attorney's Office.
Beaudreau is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.