MERRILL, Wis. (WSAU) – Four men charged in a series of burglaries in Merrill made their initial appearances today.

18 year old Michael Wienandt of Merrill, 19 year old Deamon Boettcher of Merrill, 21 year old Tony Hurburt of Durand, and 20 year old James Madden of Wausau all face multiple felony counts including burglary, arson and possession of burglary tools.

A criminal complaint says the four men drove to various places in Merrill stealing from homes before heading to the Dugout Bar. There they vandalized several gambling machines, broke into the cash register, and tried to run off with cash from the register, some booze and a tub of beef jerky. They tripped a burglar alarm around 3:30 am which called the police.

District Attorney Don Dunphy says the men all are facing serious criminal time in upwards of 30 years in prison.

Beottcher is free on a $5,000 signature bond with the first $500 in cash. Hurburt is being held on a probation hold from Buffalo County and a $1,500 cash bond. Wienandt is being held on a $5,000 cash bond. Madden is being held on a $1,000 cash bond.

Wienandt and Madden will be back for preliminary hearings Jan 25th.