Elgin man in hot water after washing machine theft

A 25-year-old Elgin man landed in hot water Monday, after police arrested him alleging he stole more than $10 out of a washing machine in the 1600 block of Maple Lane.

Byron M. Broger, also of the 1600 block of Maple Lane, was charged with burglary. Police said he pried open the machine's coin box, tipped the machine over then shook it, making off with more than 40 quarters.

The Aug. 22 burglary occurred just a few doors down from his home, police said.

But Broger may find himself in even deeper trouble.

Officers are now trying to determine whether he's responsible for 25 washing machine thefts in the neighborhood that occurred between May 31 and Aug. 22 and ended in a similar fashion - with the machine turned on its side and the coin box pried open, police said.

"This is the only one he's being charged with right now, and so we are continuing the investigation to see if he's had any involvement in those," Deputy Police Chief Jeff Swoboda said.

Kane County Judge John A. Noverini on Tuesday morning set Broger's bail at $30,000, which means he needs $3,000 to get out.

That's 12,000 quarters.

He was unable to post bond and remained in the Kane County lockup as of Tuesday.

Broger's next court date is Sept. 14 at the Kane County Judicial Center.

He faces up to seven years in prison and $25,000 in fines, if convicted of the Class 2 felony.