Billings man accused of law enforcement vehicle break-ins [Video]

A Billings man pleaded not guilty Monday in connection with a spree of car break-ins that included six law enforcement vehicles.

Jacob Charles Berger, 27, has been charged in Yellowstone County District with felony theft, for allegedly breaking into 16 vehicles between July 2023 and March 2024. Berger allegedly stole 11 firearms, including an assault rifle, a rifle, a revolver, two pistols, a shotgun, a Glock, and two 9mm handguns.

The only two weapons that were stolen from a law enforcement vehicle were the shotgun and a 9 mm handgun, taken from a Montana Highway Patrol vehicle. Berger allegedly stole handcuffs, body armor, a ballistic helmet, and other miscellaneous gear from other law enforcement vehicles, including a Billings Police Department vehicle, two other MHP vehicles, a Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office vehicle, and, ironically, a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms vehicle.

The item values totaled $15,398 and the total damages …