A Schuylkill County man is facing charges after police say he left his wallet behind at the scene of a suspected home trespassing incident in Schuylkill Haven last year.
According to police, Robert Hamm Jr., of Pottsville, was identified after officers recovered a brown tri-fold wallet containing his driver’s license, work ID badge, and several credit cards at the side porch door of a residence on Caldwell Street on May 5, 2024.
Officers were called to the home after the resident reported finding her porch furniture overturned and a wallet lying near her door. An investigation at the scene revealed a vinyl fence rail and gate damaged at the steps leading to the porch. A wooden door to the basement was found unsecured, allowing police to enter the residence. No one was located inside during the search.
Inside the home, officers observed signs of disturbance, including an open second-floor window leading to a porch roof, a beach towel lying on the floor of a bedroom, an open attic door, and a blanket out of place in the master bedroom. Despite these observations, no property was reported missing. Jewelry and other valuables were found undisturbed.
The resident told police she had been awoken several times overnight by her dogs barking but attributed the noise to typical disturbances. She later noticed the furniture overturned and the wallet outside when she woke up around 8 a.m.
A witness delivering newspapers around 1:30 a.m. reported seeing a man asleep on a chair on the residence’s porch. The witness described the man as white, wearing clothing similar to hospital garments, and having short hair. He said the man responded “thank you” when he greeted him.
During a voluntary interview at the Schuylkill Haven Police headquarters, police say Hamm denied entering the home or being on the porch that night. Hamm reportedly admitted to drinking alcohol the night of May 4 at a co-worker’s home and said he left with intentions of visiting a bar but never made it. He told police his father picked him up around midnight, although his phone records showed no outgoing calls during the time in question.
Later interviews with the co-worker and another resident at the party confirmed that Hamm left their home around midnight intending to go out drinking. They said Hamm did not mention the incident when they next saw him at work.
Police collected several pieces of evidence from the residence, including the beach towel found on the second floor. A forensic analysis conducted by the Pennsylvania State Police Crime Lab matched Hamm’s DNA to the towel with a strong transfer.
Additionally, police estimated damages to the residence at $562.09, based on the cost to replace the damaged fence gate, stair railing, and storm door.
Hamm is facing charges of criminal trespass, a third-degree felony, and misdemeanor offenses of loitering and prowling at night and criminal mischief.
Hamm was arraigned before District Magistrate Judge Edward Tarantelli on April 24. Tarantelli set bail at $25,000 cash, which hasn’t been posted. Hamm was remanded to Schuylkill County Prison. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 13 before Judge AJ Serina.
Subscribe to Coal Region Canary
Get email updates from Coal Region Canary by becoming a subscriber today. Just enter your email address below to get started!Support Coal Region Canary
Like our reporting and want to support truly local news in Schuylkill County? Your small donations help. For as little as $5, your contribution will allow us to cover more news that directly affects you. Consider donating today by hitting the big yellow button below ...