Matthew Gene Rhines

KOSCIUSKO — A Mentone man was arrested after breaking into a hair salon and stealing merchandise and money.

Matthew Gene Rhines, 28, 513 N. Broadway St., Mentone, is being charged with burglary, a level 5 felony; and theft, a class A misdemeanor.

On Saturday, June 16, an officer with the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department responded to a burglary report at a hair salon.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, the officer spoke with the owners of the hair salon. One owner said they have surveillance video of Rhines breaking into the salon. The owner also said Rhines is the son of the female who owns the building. In the past, the salon owners complained to Rhines’ mother about him stealing. His mother would then compensate them for the loss.

On June 16, surveillance video shows Rhines entering the salon and going through a workstation where tip money is kept. Footage also shows Rhines entering the backroom where gift certificates and cash are kept. Rhines had been trespassed from the property and didn’t have permission or consent to enter the business at any time.

One salon owner said the business had $185 in cash, tip money and gift certificates stolen. $150 in merchandise was also taken from the salon.

Rhines was booked in the Kosciusko County Jail on July 26, with a $10,250 surety and cash bond.