WARSAW — A Silver Lake man was charged with theft after allegedly manipulating scrap metal scales.

Benjamin L. Guzman

Benjamin L. Guzman, 27, 202 East Walnut Street, Silver Lake, was booked on a warrant for theft, a level 6 felony.

On Sept. 19, 2019, police responded to a report of theft at Lewis Salvage in Warsaw. The officer met with the owner who claimed one of his employees, Guzman, stole from the company, according to the affidavit of probable cause.

He said Guzman would bring in scrap metal and use scales to weigh when no one was around. According to the affidavit, Guzman would manipulate the scales to make it appear there was more metal than what was on the scales.

Between January 2019 through September 2019, Guzman, by manipulating the scales, allegedly stole $7,656.61 from Lewis Salvage. The owner said he spoke with Guzman on Sept. 20, 2019. He said Guzman admitted to the scale manipulation and theft during their conversation, according to the affidavit.

On Jan. 22, Guzman was booked in the Kosciusko County Jail with a bond of $5,250 surety and cash.

According to court paperwork, Lewis Salvage submitted a restitution request for this case. No dollar figure was included.