Michael James Moore

KOSCIUSKO COUNTY — Michael James Moore, 33, booked with an address of 316 E. Washington St., North Webster, has been charged with forgery, a level 6 felony; and theft. The theft charge was originally a class A misdemeanor, but was enhanced to a level 6 felony after authorities learned he was convicted of the offense of conversion in July 2016.

Court documents, which show Moore with an address of 9340 E. Crooked Mile Road, Cromwell, report Aug. 9, police were called to a theft at an Ace Hardware Store. Police spoke with a cashier who stated an individual had purchased tools in the amount of $131.94 and building materials in the amount of $89.79. The items were charged to Atlas Construction’s account, under the name of Brandon Picaneau. The individual signed the charge with the name of Picaneau and also presented himself as that individual. Police were informed that individual was still at the business.

Police spoke to Moore, who was at the loading dock loading the materials. Moore told police he worked for Atlas Construction and was told to charge the items to Picaneau. He also admitted to signing the charge account.

Moore was detained by police while they checked with Atlas Construction. However, police learned Moore was terminated from his job Aug. 7 with Atlas Construction and did not have permission to charge anything to the company account. The owner of the company also told police he had contacted Ace Hardware and advised them not to let anyone charge to the company’s account who was not on the list. A check of that list found Moore was not on the list.

Police then went with Moore to return the items to Ace Hardware.

Moore is being held on $5,500 surety and cash bond.