Man Faces Charges of Drugs and Burglary: County Attorney – “One Fuels the Other”

Spencer Zane Pingel, age 25, appeared in court for two separate cases, although County Attorney Joseph Casson made clear he believes the two cases are related. Burglary CaseIn one case, Pingel is charged with three counts of burglary, a class 2A felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison, and one count of theft by unlawful taking, a class 2 misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine.The Jefferson County Sheriff’s office was contacted December 30, 2025, to investigate a reported burglary.According to the reporting party, a friend had discovered a box of his belongings on the side of the road near Endicott at approximately 7:00 a.m. that morning. The reporting party then checked a storage unit in Reynolds, where the items had been, and reportedly discovered the lock had been removed and reported other items also missing, including five chainsaws and Christmas decorations.According to the arrest affidavit, “further inspection of the area revealed that there were two other units that should have had locks on them that were missing.”A cell phone was also reportedly discovered at the scene. Per the affidavit, “It is my belief that the phone dropped on scene because of the proximity and condition of the phone belongs to the suspect involved in the commission of three counts of burglary and theft from two units and criminal mischief in one unit and will contain the identity of the suspect involved.”A search warrant for the phone was obtained and a review of the data allegedly indicated the phone belonged to the defendant. Drug CaseIn the second case, Pingel is charged with possession of a controlled substance, a class 4 felony punishable by up to two years in prison, 12 months of post-release supervision and a $10,000 fine; driving under a suspended license, a class 3 misdemeanor punishable by up to three months in jail and a $500 fine; driving without displaying proper plates, also a class 3 misdemeanor; and possession of drug paraphernalia, an infraction punishable by a $100 fine.Pingel was arrested February 1, 2026, after a traffic stop. The affidavit indicates Pingel consented to a search, which reportedly uncovered “a white crystalline substance in the glove compartment” which field tested positive for methamphetamine. In CourtThe defendant is represented by Public Defender Scott Gropp, who asked for a bond reduction on behalf of his client. Pingel was being held on a $355,000 (10 percent) bond in the burglary/theft case and a $10,000 (10 percent) bond in the drug case.Casson opposed any reduction in either the burglary or drug case, saying that “one fuels the other.”Casson said, “I think he needs to stay in jail.”Judge Bauer kept the burglary bond as set but reduced the drug bond to $5,000 (10 percent).Another hearing is scheduled for March 2, 2026. Pingel remains in custody as of press time.

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