Two Charged in Significant Construction Site Burglary Case

Rochester, MN (KROC AM News) – Two men who were implicated in a series of expensive construction site thefts in the Rochester area are now facing multiple charges.

Olmsted County authorities last year identified 26-year-old Matthew Tlougan of Rochester and 25-year-old Justin Quam of Byron as suspects in the theft of construction tools and equipment worth tens of thousands of dollars. The thefts occurred in September and October.

Tlougan was also charged last year with a theft in Wabasha County.

Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office Capt. Scott Behrns says this was one of the largest such cases he has ever dealt with. He said the thefts also “made life very difficult for people trying to make a living” because they were unable to work until they bought new tools. He says most of the tools were eventually recovered.

The case was solved when investigators began focusing on Tlougan and put a tracking device on his truck.

Besides the thefts, the two are also accused of causing extensive damage to homes that were under construction in Oronoco. In one house, water was left running in upper level bathrooms. By the time the vandalism was discovered, the water had caused significant damage to the entire house that was estimated at $50,000.