Burglary Suspect Pleads Not Guilty

Starke County Courthouse
Starke County Courthouse
A man accused of stealing several items from the USA Cafe has pleaded not guilty in Starke Circuit Court to charges of Burglary and Theft.

It is alleged that on Aug. 18, Michael Hoekman, 22, entered the USA Cafe in Knox during the overnight hours and stole a desktop computer and accessories, cash, a television, an Xbox 360 and games, a handgun, and several other items.

He was arrested on Tuesday, Aug. 20 by officers from the Knox City Police Department and officially charged with Burglary and Theft and given a $25,000 surety bond. Hoekman was released to Community Corrections on Monday morning. He was also ordered to have no contact with the victim.