MONDOVI, Wis. (WEAU) – A Mondovi man is facing multiple charges after allegedly breaking into a family member’s home and stealing firearms while they were on vacation.
39-year-old Brandon Ottum was charged in connection to a March 21 burglary with the following offenses:
Armed burglary
Concealing a stolen firearm
Six counts of theft of movable property with special facts
Theft of movable property between $2,500 and $5,000
Possession of burglarous tools
Criminal damage to property
Criminal trespassing
According to a criminal complaint, the victims returned from vacation to find their home broken into and several firearms and a crossbow stolen. Authorities had recovered a pistol days earlier, which the victims identified as one of the stolen items.
Ottum, identified as a cousin of the victims, reportedly admitted to the crime and led officers to two stolen gun cases. He told police he knew the homeowners were out of town and that firearms were present in the home.
Two other individuals were in the car with Ottum during the burglary, but authorities say they were unaware a burglary was being committed.
Ottum is currently held on a $25,000 cash bond, with a preliminary hearing scheduled for April 16 at 2:30 p.m. The investigation is ongoing.
