WARSAW — A Goshen man faces multiple charges after he allegedly burglarized a NIPSCO substation.

Michael Devon Helmuth, 38, 218 Winchester Trail, Goshen, faces two counts of critical infrastructure facility mischief, a level 5 felony. He also faces charges of burglary, a level 5 felony; critical infrastructure trespass, a level 6 felony; theft, a level 6 felony; attempted theft, a class A misdemeanor; and false informing, a class B misdemeanor.

On Jan. 13, police were contacted in reference to a burglary at an unspecified NIPSCO substation. Police met with a NIPSCO representative who claimed on Jan. 11, an individual forcibly entered the substation cutting through the fence, said the affidavit of probable cause.

Once inside, the representative said the individual stole valuable metal and tools. The total loss for NIPSCO was estimated at $16,050.

On Jan. 20, police received another call for a burglary at the same NIPSCO substation. Police found Helmuth between two fences at the substation, said the affidavit.

Near Helmuth, police allegedly found a bag that contained a cordless drill, screwdriver and cable cutters. Another pair of bolt cutters were found next to a cut section of the interior fence. A second section of the interior fence appeared to have a hole that may have been drilled and pried back, said the affidavit.

Police only found one set of footprints in the snow, suggesting Helmuth was the only individual in the area at the time.

While speaking to police, Helmuth allegedly admitted that he cut the fence and attempted to steal valuable metal. According to the affidavit, Helmuth said he attempted to leave the scene when he heard police sirens, but failed to do so.

Police spoke with a subcontractor employee whose tools were stolen during the Jan. 11 incident. The individual identified the items in Helmuth’s bag as the stolen tools. The affidavit said Helmuth admitted to entering the substation and stealing the tools on Jan. 11.

The affidavit mentioned Helmuth did not have contractual interest in any NIPSCO substations.

On Jan. 20, Helmuth was booked in the Kosciusko County Jail. His initial bond was $1,800 surety and cash.