Staff Report

Beth Nicole Davis

Travis L. Pierce

SYRACUSE — Two people from Syracuse are facing charges after stealing more than $2,000 worth of items from a man.

Beth Nicole Davis, 31, 706 S. Thwaits Court, Syracuse; and Travis L. Pierce, 31, 304 W. Hillside Drive, Syracuse, are each charged with burglary, a level 5 felony; and theft, a level 6 felony.

On July 7, a man went to the Syracuse Police Department to report the theft of a trailer, lawn mower, tools, and landscape equipment.

According to court documents, the total monetary loss to the man was about $2,174. As part of the investigation, a Syracuse officer received a tip that Davis had information about the theft. 

In an interview with the officer on Sept. 19, Davis denied having any knowledge about stolen items. She said Pierce brought a large amount of tools to a residence near North Webster. Davis also told the officer Pierce attempted selling the tools at Cashland. 

Davis later admitted that she was with Pierce on July 6, and that as far as she knew, they were going to his trailer to retrieve items. She said Pierce handed her some items from the trailer and that was it. Davis initially denied that she and Pierce stole a utility trailer and lawn mower. However, when the officer confronted her with information that nearby businesses had surveillance cameras, Davis admitted that Pierce hooked the utility trailer with the lawn mower up to her vehicle and they towed it away.

The officer then interviewed Pierce on Sept. 20 about the incident. Pierce initially denied any knowledge of the theft, but later admitted his involvement. He said the man’s trailer was already open and that he went through the screen on top of the trailer. Pierce then denied knowing where all of the stolen items would be now.

Davis was booked in the Kosciusko County Jail on Dec. 14, with a $3,500 surety and cash bond.

A warrant was issued for Pierce’s arrest on Dec. 13.