ROCKLAND — A Warren man who was arrested after police said he broke into a Cushing residence made his first court appearance Nov. 18.

Joe R. Maye, 49, of Warren, was arrested Nov. 16 by Deputy Justin Hills of the Knox County Sheriff’s Office and charged with burglary, criminal mischief, violating condition of release, and criminal trespass, according to the court document.

The homeowner called police after he discovered his front door had been kicked in and another door was open that only could have been opened by someone inside the house. He told police that his son found a wallet when they searched their property and surrounding woods with their dog looking for the suspect.

Police said they identified Maye from a driver’s license and other identification in his wallet, and they located him at his residence in Warren. Maye allowed police to examine a pair of his sneakers and they matched the footprint left on the front door at the home when it was kicked in, police said.

Maye denied any involvement with the burglary when he was questioned by police. He agreed to let police search his truck and told them he was in Cushing on the day of the burglary and may have been at the residence. Maye did not answer any further questions after police read him his rights, according to the court document.  

The homeowner told police that nothing was missing and he must have scared off the intruder when he arrived home.

Sgt. Lance Mitchell and Deputy Nathaniel Jack also responded to the scene to assist Hills.

Maye was transported to the Knox County jail and his bail was set at $175 cash.

He will make his next court appearance Jan. 29 at a dispositional conference.

Sarah Shepherd can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com.