A 28-year-old Marshall man has been charged with felonies for allegedly burglarizing a government building in Saline County in April 2020.

According to a Missouri State Highway Patrol report, a person contacted authorities regarding a burglary at the visitor’s center at Annie and Abel Van Meter State Park. Items reported stolen included two laptops- a Panasonic Toughbook and a Dell- as well as a handheld radio. They had a total value of about $1,200. There also was damage to the window where the suspect entered.

By video surveillance, a suspect was identified as Brett Michael Ortega, who didn’t deny nor admit to the burglary when interviewed by authorities on May 6.

On May 18, authorities executed a search warrant at Ortega’s residence. They found several laptops, but none from the burglary. They did, however, notice a Dell laptop charger in the wall, and it was seized as evidence.

Court documents say Ortega is charged with Class D Felonies for Burglary in the Second Degree and Stealing of $750 or More; as well as a property damage misdemeanor. Bond is set at $7,500 cash or surety.

Ortega’s initial hearing is pending at Saline County Circuit Court.