Marina
In a startling and surreal turn of events, security camera footage has captured a suspect clad in a judge’s robe attempting to commit a theft inside a courthouse.
The incident took place in Jackson County, Missouri, where Wilber Mateo, 45, is now facing serious charges for his bizarre and audacious actions.
What began as a clandestine overnight presence escalated into a heist that included stolen credentials, electronics, and even a judge’s own robe.
In this article, you’ll find every known detail, timeline, and legal implication — laid out clearly with facts, figures, and full context.
The Incident: How It Unfolded
The sequence of events began late Thursday afternoon and spanned overnight into Friday morning. Here’s a detailed timeline of what we know so far:
- Around 3:30 p.m. Thursday: Mateo entered the Eastern Jackson County Courthouse. Surveillance footage places him walking past staff at the criminal records desk.
- He then disappeared from camera view, likely heading into less monitored areas, such as restrooms or back halls.
- At ~7:30 p.m., well after courthouse hours, Mateo reappeared on video, entering via an “exit only” door that had been left unlocked.
- He remained inside all night, with no exit observed until ~7:15 a.m. Friday, when he finally emerged — but now wearing a judge’s robe and carrying three bags.
- He attempted to exit via an emergency door, abandoned the bags, and settled on a bench outside the judge’s chambers, where deputies took him into custody.
When officers searched the bags and his person, they discovered a haul of stolen items.
Inventory of Stolen Items & Value
Below is the breakdown of what authorities recovered:
| Item(s) | Description / Notes | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| Small brass dog statue | Decorative courtroom piece | — |
| Pens & office supplies | Miscellaneous writing instruments | — |
| Sticky note with login credentials | Visible login info scribbled down | — |
| Laptops & electronic devices | Computers, storage units, data media | — |
| Copy paper, notebooks, files | Documents, printed materials | — |
| Mangled letter openers & tool marks | Evidence of forced entry / tampering | — |
| Judge’s robe (worn by suspect) | Unique disguise piece | — |
| Dismantled picture frames | One judge’s photo missing | — |
| Total estimated value | ~ $2,500 |
The presence of login credentials and electronic devices suggests that the suspect may have had targeting intent beyond mere theft — potentially espionage or identity theft.
Charges & Legal Status
Following his arrest, Wilber Mateo has been charged with first-degree burglary and stealing goods valued over $750. He previously carried a criminal record that includes convictions for statutory sodomy, child abuse, assault, and possession of controlled substances.
If convicted of these new charges, Mateo faces up to 22 years in prison under state statutes. He remains jailed on a bond of $150,000, pending further court proceedings. His initial appearance has already taken place, with a bond review hearing planned and a preliminary hearing slated for later in October.
Security Footage & Disguise
The most striking element of this case is how the suspect used court security weaknesses and disguise to his advantage:
- The judge’s robe allowed Mateo to move through corridors with assumed authority or confusion, likely delaying suspicion.
- He entered after hours via an unlocked “exit only” door — a security lapse that gave him access when the building was officially closed.
- He operated within areas assumed to be private, including judge’s chambers, where he tried to pry open closets and dismantle picture frames.
- The overnight stay and exit timing signal premeditation and patience — he waited until early morning before emerging.
All these elements make the robbery attempt far more audacious and planned than a typical smash-and-grab.
Motive & Statements
During questioning, Mateo confessed to the thefts and claimed he intended to sell the stolen items to the highest bidder. He admitted the plan included stealing login credentials — perhaps to gain access to confidential systems.
Given the combination of electronic, decorative, and credential items, authorities believe the motive was a mix of financial gain and sensitive access.
Broader Implications & Security Failures
This incident raises serious concerns about courthouse security and internal protocols:
- Unlocked exit doors: doors marked “exit only” should remain secured after hours.
- Lax monitoring of private chambers: sensitive areas like judge chambers were vulnerable.
- Disguised intruder risk: a robe as disguise shows how officials could be impersonated to avoid immediate detection.
In response, many legal observers expect changes in courtroom surveillance, access policies, and security audits across courthouses nationwide.
The bizarre case of a man caught on camera wearing a judge’s robe during an attempted courthouse theft has sent shockwaves through legal and security circles.
Wilber Mateo’s overnight incursion, use of disguise, and targeted theft of credentials and electronics show not only boldness but sophistication.
Though authorities acted swiftly, this incident reveals cracks in institutional security and a need for tighter safeguards in our justice systems.
As the legal process unfolds, one thing is clear: courts must rethink how they protect their most sensitive spaces — especially when the line between law-maker and law-breaker can be masked by a robe.