Bowlus man charged with second-degree burglary

Austin Dominic Lewerke, 29, Bowlus, was charged in Morrison County District Court with one felony count of second-degree burglary and one felony count of third-degree burglary.

The charges stem from an Oct. 3, 2023 incident. In October 2023, the Morrison County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a burglary that occurred at Buffy’s Bar in the city of Upsala. The burglary reportedly occurred in the early morning hours of Oct. 3, 2023. A deputy arrived at the business to take the initial report, according to the report.

The business owner reported that she came to work on the morning of Oct. 3, 2023 and found the back door to be open and showing signs of a break-in. The business owner showed the deputy what appeared to be tool marks or pry marks on the door and door jamb to the back of the business. Per the report, the business owner found that whoever came into the building went into the office and unplugged the internet and cameras and the alarm. It was not clear if anything was taken during the break-in.

According to the report, a sergeant of the Sheriff’s Office conducted further investigation into the matter and determined that Lewerke was a suspect. Investigation showed that Lewerke was in the area of the business at the time of the break-in.

On March 28, the sergeant met with Lewerke at his residence. Lewerke allegedly agreed to give a statement about the matter. Lewerke allegedly admitted that he committed the break-in on the date and time in question because he needed the money. He stated that he approached the bar on foot and he used a pry bar from his toolbox to enter the bar. He allegedly admitted that, when he entered the bar, his intention was to steal money from the till or the pull tab box. He advised that he walked in and observed that the boxes were open and empty, and so he immediately left the bar without taking anything, according to the report.

If convicted on the second-degree burglary felony charge, Lewerke faces up to 10 years imprisonment and/or a $20,000 fine. If convicted on the third-degree burglary felony charge, Lewerke faces up to five years imprisonment and/or a $10,000 fine.