Grass Mowers Used Hidden Key to Burglarize South County Home, Police Say

Two men who discovered a spare key while cutting grass are accused of burglarizing an Affton home, police said.

Jesse C. Szymanski, 20, and Jeffrey Babcock, 21, both of the 7600 block of Elton Street in South County, were charged June 6 with second-degree burglary and felony stealing.

St. Louis County Police said Szymanski and Babcock cut grass at a home in the 7100 block of Circleview Drive and found a hidden spare key.

Police said the two used the key to enter the home between 6:30 a.m. and 5:45 p.m. May 20. Police said they stole a Toshiba laptop, a Nexus tablet, a Wii system and cash. The items were valued at about $1,970.

An investigation showed Babcock sold two video game controllers and a video game similar to ones reported stolen from the home.

Szymanski posted 10 percent of a $25,000 bond and was released from jail June 7. Babcock is being held in the St. Louis County Justice Center. Bail was set at $25,000.