Ricky Johnson Jr., 45, of St. James was arrested Feb. 24 on two counts of burglary after allegedly breaking into Rich’s Famous Burgers twice and stealing almost $100 in cash.

Johnson pleaded not guilty at his initial appearance. His bond was set at $50,000 and later reduced to $25,000 cash or surety with added conditions, including:  

• Defendant shall not violate the law and shall appear as ordered in this case until this case is finally and completely resolved.

• Defendant shall not possess a firearm or other deadly weapon.

• Defendant shall consent to a search of his/her person, residence, vehicle or possessions upon request of a law enforcement officer or the OCCS office supervising Defendant.

• Defendant shall have no contact with victim.

• Defendant shall be supervised by OCCS, Inc, and shall report to the OCCS office in Rolla no later than 9 a.m. on the first business day following his or her release on bond. Bond supervision shall be at defendant’s expense.

• Defendant shall follow all directives of OCCS and the officer supervising his/her bond.

Johnson posted a surety bond March 2. A bond appearance hearing is scheduled for March 24 at 9 a.m. at the Phelps County Courthouse.

According to a probable cause statement filed by the St. James Police Department, Officer Elijah Shoaf was dispatched to Rich’s Famous Burgers at 6:41 a.m. that day with a report of a burglary.

When Shoaf arrived, employees reported that the rear door of the business was damaged, several interior surveillance cameras had been pushed downward from their normal positions and money was missing from the money box in the manager’s office.

The general manager showed Shoaf a surveillance video from Feb. 21 that showed a man tilting the surveillance cameras away from their original positions after operating hours. 

Shoaf made contact with Johnson at his residence in the 600 block of North Meramec Street and transported him to the police department for an interview.

During the interview, Johnson admitted he entered Rich’s Famous Burgers on Feb. 21 and Feb. 24 using a pocket knife to force entry through the rear door. He admitted to moving the surveillance cameras on Feb. 21 while “scoping it out.” 

Johnson told police he stole approximately $75 from the cash box and $22 to $23 from a change purse near the register.

“He admitted he stole the money because he was behind on bills and rent,” the report reads. “Johnson stated he spent most of the money on fuel and had approximately $20 remaining in a shed at his residence.”

Johnson was taken to the Phelps County Jail and placed on a 24-hour hold.