A La Plata man has been charged with breaking and entering and other offenses after deputies alleged he attempted to enter a neighbor’s residence during an early morning disturbance on May 20, according to an arrest affidavit filed in Aztec Magistrate Court.
Jesse Kuzma, 40, was charged with breaking and entering, criminal damage to property over $1,000, battery against a household member and disorderly conduct, according to court records.
All charges are allegations based on court records, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
According to the affidavit, San Juan County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to Road 1499 in La Plata at approximately 3:39 a.m. after two separate callers reported a disturbance involving Kuzma.
According to court records, deputies alleged Kuzma had the top half of his body through a broken window when a corporal arrived at the residence. The affidavit states the responding corporal detained Kuzma without further incident.
The affidavit states a resident told deputies she awoke after hearing dogs barking and later saw a man near her front door. According to court records, she told deputies she recognized the man as Kuzma, who lived nearby, and reported he attempted to open the door while she was on the phone with emergency dispatchers.
According to the affidavit, the resident told deputies she armed herself with a pistol after hearing banging on the front door and a bedroom window. The affidavit states she later fired two shots through the damaged window after she believed Kuzma was attempting to enter.
The affidavit states deputies reviewed surveillance footage that allegedly showed Kuzma leaving his residence and returning to the neighboring property while shouting and banging on the door.
According to court records, investigators also interviewed Kuzma’s wife, who told investigators a domestic dispute occurred shortly before the incident. The affidavit states she told deputies Kuzma allegedly slapped her in the face before leaving the residence.
Court records state Kuzma was transported to San Juan Regional Medical Center for treatment of lacerations allegedly sustained from broken glass. Medical personnel reportedly confirmed he did not suffer gunshot wounds during the incident.
Charges Filed
- Breaking and entering
- Criminal damage to property over $1,000
- Battery against a household member
- Disorderly conduct
Case Status
Court records indicate bond was ordered to be determined at first appearance.
Source
According to an arrest affidavit and arrest warrant filed in Aztec Magistrate Court.
Legal Disclaimer
All charges are allegations based on court records, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.