Kansas City, Missouri, October 7, 2025
News Summary
Wilber Mateo was arrested after spending the night inside the Eastern Jackson County Courthouse, where he allegedly stole several items, including laptops and a brass dog statue. Initially recorded talking to staff, Mateo was seen entering restricted areas before being apprehended by sheriff’s deputies the next morning. He now faces felony charges for burglary and theft, with a court appearance scheduled soon.
Kansas City, Missouri – Wilber Mateo, a man from Kansas City, is facing serious legal consequences following his arrest for burglary and stealing at the Eastern Jackson County Courthouse. Mateo allegedly spent the night inside the courthouse and stole several items, leading to charges that could significantly impact his future.
According to surveillance footage, Mateo was seen in the courthouse around 3:30 PM on October 2, 2025. He was initially recorded talking with staff at the Criminal Records desk before moving to parts of the building that were not monitored by cameras. At 7:30 PM, after the courthouse had closed for the day, Mateo was captured on video entering an “exit only” door.
Authorities believe Mateo remained inside the courthouse until at least 7:15 AM the following day when he was spotted by a witness. The witness promptly alerted the Jackson County sheriff’s deputies. Upon their arrival, deputies found Mateo dressed in a judge’s robe and in possession of three bags.
Mateo attempted to flee the scene briefly but was quickly apprehended by the deputies. The contents of the bags revealed a list of stolen items that included a small brass dog statue, pens, and a sticky note with computer log-in credentials. Additionally, deputies recovered three laptops, data storage devices, electronic gadgets, and various office supplies from Mateo’s belongings.
Mateo has been charged with felony first-degree burglary and felony stealing over $750. Prosecutors have requested a bond of $150,000 for his release. A court appearance is scheduled for Mateo on October 14, 2025.
A probable cause statement noted that at the time of his arrest, Mateo was found with four insulin syringes and multiple Jackson County identification cards. During an interview with law enforcement, Mateo allegedly admitted to staying in the courthouse and acknowledged that he should not have done so. He expressed plans to sell the items he had stolen.
Further investigation revealed that Mateo had attempted to break into a closet by using letter openers and a screwdriver. He also had taken pictures from frames within the courthouse, indicating a pattern of theft and potential vandalism.
This incident has raised concerns about security in public buildings and the protection of sensitive materials. The courthouse is designed to serve the judicial process, and the breach highlights vulnerabilities that could be exploited in the future.
Background
The Eastern Jackson County Courthouse serves the community by facilitating various judicial processes, including criminal records maintenance. The recent incident involving Mateo has prompted officials to review security measures and ensure that access points are adequately monitored.
Key Details
- Date of Incident: October 2, 2025
- Location: Eastern Jackson County Courthouse
- Charges: Felony first-degree burglary, felony stealing over $750
- Requested Bond: $150,000
- Court Appearance: October 14, 2025
- Items Stolen: Brass dog statue, laptops, and office supplies
- Additional Findings: Insulin syringes, identification cards
FAQ Section
What charges is Wilber Mateo facing?
Wilber Mateo has been charged with felony first-degree burglary and felony stealing over $750.
When was Mateo arrested?
Mateo was arrested after spending the night in the courthouse and was spotted by a witness on October 3, 2025, at around 7:15 AM.
What items did Mateo steal?
The stolen items included a small brass dog statue, pens, computer log-in credentials, three laptops, data storage devices, electronic gadgets, and various office supplies.
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Additional Resources
- Kansas City Local News
- Wikipedia: Kansas City
- KSHB News
- Google Search: Kansas City crime news
- Fox4KC News
- Google Scholar: Kansas City burglary
- KMBC News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Kansas City
Author: STAFF HERE KANSAS CITY WRITER
The KANSAS CITY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKansasCity.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Kansas City, Jackson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as American Royal World Series of Barbecue, Dia De Los Muertos, and Planet Anime Kansas City. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Kansas City, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Children's Mercy Hospital, Government Employees Health Association, and AMC Entertainment. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREStLouis.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Missouri's dynamic landscape.
