DNA leads to charges against burglary suspect

DNA evidence led to a criminal charge being filed against a man who allegedly stole Depression-era glassware and other items from a Central Whidbey property two years ago.

Prosecutors charged Michael D. Stokes in Island County Superior Court Oct. 10 with burglary in the second degree. He is identified as an Everett resident in court papers.

In September 2016, the owner of a property on State Highway 525 reported someone had burglarized a garage. The long list of items that were stolen included antique glassware, sewing machines, sports memorabilia and items of sentimental value.

Two cigarette butts were found outside the burglarized building. They were sent to the Washington State Crime lab for DNA testing.

The Island County Sheriff’s Office received the results of the analysis in May of this year. They showed that the DNA matched that of Stokes, whose DNA was in the database from a felony drug conviction, according to the police report.

Stokes was seen by police at a “drug house” in Clinton last month, according to the police report.

If convicted of the charge, Stokes could face up to a year in jail under the standard sentencing range.