Tristan Backus. (Calumet Co. Sheriff's photo)
CHILTON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — A man who allegedly stole from multiple vehicles in Calumet County pleaded not guilty Friday, days after prosecutors added more charges.
Tristan Backus now faces 19 charges, up from 16, for a series of thefts in November at residences near the fire lane area on the north shore of Lake Winnebago in the village of Harrison.
Backus waived his preliminary hearing and entered the not guilty pleas Friday on charges, which include 13 counts of theft of movable property. No trial date was set. He returns to court Feb. 12 for a possible plea and sentencing, court records show.
Officials say in early and mid-November, there were “multiple” instances where vehicles were entered and items were taken from the vehicles. According to a news release, most of the vehicles were unlocked.
The Calumet County Sheriff’s Office identified Backus as a suspect in the thefts and on Dec. 9, investigators conducted surveillance at a home in Menasha. Authorities observed Backus leave the residence and drive to an area gas station, where he was arrested without incident.
When a search warrant was served at the Menasha residence, investigators recovered the stolen property.
Officials are reminding residents to remove valuables from your vehicles and lock your vehicles to help keep yourself from falling victim to thefts. Additionally, firearms stored in unoccupied vehicles should be secured in a vehicle gun safe, if possible, with the doors locked. Gun locks are available for free at every law enforcement agency in Calumet County as well as Harrison, Sherwood and Hilbert village halls.
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