Batavia man accused of stealing his own guns, filing burglary report

A 40-year-old Batavia man has been charged with stealing three guns from his is own residence, according to police and court records.

Batavia police said Keith R. Clausen, of the 300 block of South Van Buren Street, was arrested July 29 and charged with filing a false police report, a felony.

“During subsequent interviews with police, it was learned that he had more involvement than he initially told us,” Batavia Police Detective Kevin Bretz said Wednesday. Bretz said Clausen originally claimed some household items and a couple of guns were stolen July 27. “Through our investigation, we determined he was involved in the theft itself.”

According to court records, Clausen was charged Monday with three counts of felony theft (possession of two to five stolen firearms) and armed violence, a felony that if convicted carries a minimum six-year prison term and a maximum of 30 years.

The false police report charge carries a one- to three-year term, but probation is possible.

Clausen was being held at the Kane County jail and is next court date is Aug. 15.

Clausen, who Bretz said is a felon, was not allowed to own or possess any firearms.

Bretz said Clausen is accused of stealing an AR15 rifle, a 12-gauge shotgun and a .45 caliber pistol, none of which have been recovered.

Bretz said police are still investigating, and additional arrests and charges are possible.