House Guest Steals Items While Homeowner In Jail
SYRACUSE — A woman who had another individual staying at her house, while she was incarcerated, returned home to find a number of items missing.
Tasha M. Bruce, 23, 404 Sycamore Street, LaGrange, was arrested Monday afternoon on a charge of theft.
Shelley Frailey, Syracuse, notified the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department on Nov. 5 that Bruce was staying at her home while she was in jail. When Frailey arrived Home, Bruce and over $1,650 in items were gone. Missing was an ATF lift stand, a V bottom boat, 20-inch chainsaw, RV converter, metal toolbox, floor speakers, die cast NASCAR cars and a swing with matching end table.
Police found Bruce’s cell phone near the fire pit at the residence. A phone history uncovered Bruce had been communicating with a man in regards to him picking up a wooden swing and table. Police spoke with the individual on Dec. 7 and learned he purchased the items for $30 from a female. The man identified Bruce after being shown six photographs of individuals.
The male also told police Bruce attempted to sell him a metal tool cart as well, while at the residence to pick up the swing and table.
Bruce is being held on $5,000 surety and $250 cash bond.