EATON —The Habitat for Humanity ReStore had $700 cash, an IPad, and a credit card stolen during a recent break-in according to Jodi Gray, the store’s manager.
According to Gray, the suspect also broke a $2,000 safe during the break-in. Grey called the break-in a “low blow” for the non-profit organization.
Gray said the amount stolen, including the IPad and broken safe will take the charity quite a while to recover from. “Well…it’s going to take us a little while, a $2,000 dollar safe and an IPad, actually the IPad is a really big problem because that is how we take pictures to sell things on EBAY and update our Facebook page, so we can’t do any of that until we replace it.”
Gray said the pre-paid credit card which was stolen only had about $24 on it, but helped lead to the arrest of a suspect.
Gray said Gary Eaton of Eaton, who worked at the store a couple of times about two or three months ago, was arrested by Eaton Police after attempting to use the card.
She said Eaton was caught on video at the Richmond Walmart where he tried to purchase items with the stolen card.
Eaton Police posted pictures from Walmart security cameras of the suspect on their Facebook page asking residence for help to identify the subject.
The police division posted the following statement to Facebook after arresting Eaton: “Thank you to everyone who provided us with information on the theft suspect below. Suspect Gary Eaton has been identified and taken into custody. Another great example of how we are able to be successful because of community support! Our pro-active citizens help us reduce crime on a daily basis!”
Eaton was arrested on Wednesday, July 29, in the 100 block of East Somers Street and is currently in jail facing the following charges according to the Preble County Sheriff’s website:
• Receiving stolen property, a fifth degree felony
• Taking the identity of another, a fifth degree felony
Gray said the insurance deducible is $5,000 for the theft, meaning the money and property stolen from the store will be a complete loss.
