PORT TOWNSEND — A Port Hadlock man charged with burglarizing the East Jefferson Little League office faces a March trial.
James Hansen, 21, has pleaded not guilty to two counts of second-degree burglary, or illegally entering a property with the intent of committing a crime, and one count of theft.
A public defender was appointed to represent him during his Friday arraignment, according to Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Anna Phillips.
Break-ins were reported at the Little League fields’ office on Elkins Road in Port Hadlock on Dec. 5 and Dec. 10.
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office estimates that more than $5,000 worth of gear and electronics were stolen.
Kenny Yingling, East Jefferson Little League director, estimated that $7,000 worth of repairs to the building — which houses the Little League offices, snack bar and gear storage — would be needed.
Hansen will be back in court Feb. 3 for an omnibus hearing, a pretrial hearing where the evidence found at the East Jefferson Little League or seized during Hansen’s arrest Dec. 12 will be presented.
Another hearing is scheduled for Feb. 24. Trial is set for March 6 and 7. These dates are all subject to change.
Hansen was released on his own recognizance with a promise to return to court. His initial release terms of not returning to the Little League fields in Port Hadlock remain in place.
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.
Yingling is looking for volunteers to help with clean up after the holidays and can be reached at admin@ejlittleleague.com.
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Jefferson County Editor/Reporter Cydney McFarland can be reached at 360-385-2335, ext. 55052, or at cmcfarland@peninsuladailynews.com.
