Mesa Police Arrest Man Accused of Burglarizing Mesa Arts Center With 10-Year-Old Son

Mesa police have arrested a 31-year-old man accused of burglarizing the Mesa Arts Center with his 10-year-old son and stealing thousands of dollars worth of property.

According to the Mesa Police Department, Jean Zintz and his son entered the Mesa Arts Center at approximately 2 p.m. on August 19, 2026. Investigators say Zintz forced open a locked door at the Mesa Contemporary Arts building, damaging the door in the process.

Police allege that once inside, Zintz’s son stole approximately $7,350 worth of jewelry. Zintz is also accused of stealing a Bluetooth speaker and a piece of cactus belonging to the City of Mesa.

The pair allegedly returned to the Mesa Arts Center the following day to retrieve a water bottle Zintz had left behind during the burglary. When they learned police were responding, Zintz and his son reportedly ran from the area and left in Zintz’s vehicle.

Detectives later located the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop, detaining both Zintz and his son. During the investigation, police said Zintz admitted to his involvement and told detectives he planned to take the stolen property with him to Washington, where he was scheduled to fly later that day.

Detectives subsequently served a search warrant at the Mesa residence where Zintz and his son were temporarily staying. Investigators recovered the stolen property, along with clothing believed to have been worn during the burglary.

Zintz was booked into jail on the following charges:

• Three counts of Burglary in the Third Degree — ARS §13-1506(A)(1), Class 4 felony

• Three counts of Theft — ARS §13-1802(A)(4), Class 3 felony

• One count of Criminal Damage — ARS §13-1602(A)(1), Class 1 misdemeanor

• One count of Contributing to the Delinquency and Dependency of a Minor — ARS §13-3613(A), Class 1 misdemeanor

The stolen property was recovered as part of the investigation.

Zintz remains in custody on a $40,000 bond. Public reporting also indicates a preliminary hearing is scheduled for August 31.

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