WATERFORD TOWNSHIP, Mich. – A man is facing seven felony charges in connection with a string of thefts and break-ins across Oakland County.
Waterford Township police said several items were stolen from an unlocked vehicle one night in August. Among the stolen items were gift cards and credit cards, and investigators determined one of the gift cards had been used shortly after the theft.
Recommended Videos
Surveillance video from the location of that purchase helped authorities identify Shawn Michael Degen, 34, as the thief, they said.
Detectives from Waterford and Independence townships worked with the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office during the investigation. They determined Degen is responsible for a string of larcenies and home invasions within their jurisdictions, according to police.
Degen was arrested outside his home early Thursday morning (Sept. 29) after a theft in Independence Township, officials said.
Detectives found several stolen items inside Degen’s home, including laptop computers, tablets, backpacks, tools, and identification cards.
Degen is charged with the following:
- Two counts of first-degree home invasion -- a 20-year felony.
- Breaking and entering a motor vehicle -- a five-year felony.
- Larceny from auto -- a five-year felony.
- Felon in possession of ammunition -- a five-year felony.
- Malicious destruction of police property -- a four-year felony.
- Possession of a financial transaction device -- a four-year felony.
Degen was arraigned at 52-2 District Court in Clarkston and given a $50,000 bond, cash/surety.
A probable cause conference is scheduled for 1:35 p.m. Oct. 11.
