Hopatcong Man Accused of Stealing Jewelry From His Old House

A Hopatcong man was caught Tuesday breaking into and stealing jewelry from a West River Styx home where he used to live, police said.

Patrick Homan, 26, was charged with burglary, theft and criminal trespass.

According to Lt. Thomas Kmetz, a neighbor saw Homan last week entering the home. Officers found Homan in the area and he claimed he was looking for work and wasn't inside the home, Kmetz said.

Homan was seen in the area again on Tuesday entering a vacant West River Styx home, Kmetz said. Officers found the home unlocked with fresh food, an open can of soda, clothes that would fit Homan, empty heroin bags and a needle, Kmetz said.

Homan was found in the area and he cooperated with officers, Kmetz said. Homan had entered the first home through an unlocked window to his former bedroom where he stole jewelry, Kmetz said.

Homan was found with a stolen backpack that contained the jewelry taken from the home, Kmetz said.