High Bail Set For Rochester Serial Burglar Who Was Caught Again

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Rochester, MN (KROC AM News) - A Rochester area man found inside a house that had its electrical wiring ripped out was arraigned Tuesday on felony counts of burglary and damage to property.

And bail for 28-year-old Matthew Tlougan was set at an extremely high amount for a non-violent crime - $500,000.

Tlougan is accused of breaking into a house that is being renovated.

The owners had contacted police earlier after discovering it had been broken into. A patrol officer helped the owners secure the home Sunday. The same officer checked the house around 1:00 am Monday and discovered it had been broken into again.

According to the criminal complaint, the officer entered the house and found “standing clouds of smoke” inside. The officer found Tlougan in the basement. The complaint also said the officer found “large piles of electrical wire all over the basement and some of the wiring was left in burned piles on the floor.” There was also damage to plumbing pipes.

Tlougan was taken to jail and the homeowner later reported the damage was estimated at $20,000.

As of Wednesday morning, Tlougan remained in jail.