PORT TOWNSEND — A Port Hadlock man charged with burglarizing the East Jefferson Little League will be arraigned today.
James Hansen, 21, has been charged with two counts of second-degree burglary and one count of first-degree theft, according to court documents.
Break-ins were reported at the Little League fields office on Elkins Road in Port Hadlock on Dec. 5 and last Saturday.
Because it has been estimated that the alleged burglar stole more than $5,000 in sporting equipment, office supplies and electronics, the theft charge was added, according to Anna Phillips, deputy prosecuting attorney.
After his arrest at 4 a.m. Monday, Hansen was released on his personal recognizance, according to court records.
“Basically it means he promised to return to court,” Phillips said. “There was no bail set, but obviously, one of the terms of his release was that he cannot return to the Little League fields.”
Phillips said these charges do come with a possibility of time in prison but that it’s too early to say what might happen in this case.
Hansen’s fingerprints were found on soda cans left in the Little League building, according to Chief Criminal Deputy Arthur Frank of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.
An estimated $7,000 in repairs are needed to the building, said Kenny Yingling, East Jefferson Little League director, who added the cost might climb after he finishes taking inventory of what is missing.
The building that was burgled housed the Little League’s sporting gear, maintenance tools, office and snack bar.
Yingling is looking for volunteers to help clean up the building after the holidays. He can be reached at admin@ejlittleleague.com.
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Jefferson County Editor/
