Steven Michael Craft

WARSAW — A man who moved out of an apartment, and who was not to be on the premises obtained a key and entered the apartment while no one was present and removed kitchen items and a piece of jewelry.

Steven Michael Craft, 19, 9611 S. CR 100E, Claypool, was arrested on preliminary charges of burglary, a level 4 felony and theft, a class A misdemeanor, Saturday afternoon, Oct. 10.

Charges were filed in Kosciusko Superior Court 1 on Monday, Oct. 12. The affidavit of probable cause states on Oct. 10, Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Officer Christopher Francis spoke with Dustin Manns who stated he has an apartment in the building, which houses his business. Craft had resided in that apartment with Lola Creekmore, but moved out Oct. 1. At that time locks were charged and a key kept in his business desk drawer. He said Craft was not to be on the property.

However, that day when he pulled into the shop area he saw Craft leaving the property, in a vehicle, at a high rate of speed. When police spoke with Creekmore she stated she was not at the apartment but based on information Manns had provided she was missing kitchen items and jewelry. She also told police Craft had been sending text messages to her, stating he was going to commit suicide.

Police located Craft, who verified he had moved out of the residence on Oct. 1 and had retrieved most of his property. He allegedly admitted he entered the business through an unlocked door, obtained the key to the apartment. He entered the apartment taking bowls, silverware, cups and a silver ring. He also stated he did not have permission to be in the apartment. The stolen items were observed by Francis in Craft’s vehicle and the ring was given to Francis.

Craft is being held on $15,000 surety and $250 cash bond.