Accused Byron Burglar Pleads Guilty

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - A man charged with breaking into an occupied house in Byron last year pleaded guilty Thursday and was placed on probation for one year.

The incident happened last March when a  47 year old Byron woman was taking a bath and heard someone kick open the front door.

The Olmsted County Sheriff’s Department says the intruder apparently did not know the woman was home but answered when she called out. A spokesman says the woman recognized the voice of 24 year old Austin DeRoo. She told deputies DeRoo had been at the home earlier in the week looking for her son because he owed him money. Before the woman could call 911, DeRoo went to the basement, grabbed an $800 TV set and left.   

DeRoo - who has a Nevis address  - later turned himself in. As part of a plea agreement, a felony burglary charge was dismissed and DeRoo pleaded guilty to misdemeanor damage to property. He has also been ordered to perform 30 hours community work service.