WALLA WALLA, Wash. — A Weston man suspected of breaking into a Waitsburg, Washington, home and stealing a large cache of toilet paper along with antique items appeared in Walla Walla County Superior Court on Monday, Nov. 23.

Matthew G. Gillum, 35, was arrested Nov. 20 after being spotted in a residence by a friend of the property owner, according to court documents.

Gillum was charged with second-degree theft and residential burglary, along with three misdemeanors.

His bail was set at $250, Prosecuting Attorney Jim Nagle said. His arraignment is scheduled for Dec. 7 at 3 p.m.

“In the midst of a worldwide pandemic, Walla Walla Sheriff’s Office makes the largest seizure of stolen toilet paper in agency history,” read a Facebook post from the sheriff’s office headlined “The Great Toilet Paper Caper of 2020.”

The value of the stolen items, including 22 packages of toilet paper, exceeded $1,000, according to the post.

The friend of the property owner who spotted Gillum called 911 and followed the 1980s Chevrolet Suburban he was driving until it headed north through a stubble field behind the residence.

Officers later found Gillum in the disabled vehicle and discovered a cache of toilet paper with packaging the same as what was at the home. They also recovered an antique lawyer’s cabinet, a Coleman camping stove, an extension cord and burglary tools, court documents stated.