Michael Edward Defrates

PIERCETON — A Pierceton man was recently arrested after allegedly stealing more than 100 items from Speedway.

Michael Edward Defrates, 56, 8280 E. US 30, Pierceton, is charged with theft, a level 6 felony.

On July 27, an officer with the Pierceton Police Department responded to a report of theft at Speedway. The Speedway store manager said Defrates was employed by Speedway between Jan. 15 and May 1. During that time, Defrates allegedly stole 110 items from the Speedway with a retail value of $940.96.

According to court documents, merchandise stolen includes 32 cigarette lighters, 17 pairs of gloves, 12 quarts of Speedway motor oil and other miscellaneous merchandise. The store manager said she was notified about the theft by Defrates’ ex-roommate. The roommate told officers she located the stolen items inside Defrates’ bedroom when he moved out.

On Aug. 9, the officer spoke with the ex-roommate. The roommate said she and Defrates lived together for about four years before he moved out and left the stolen items in his bedroom. The roommate then returned the items to Speedway.

Defrates was booked in the Kosciusko County Jail on Nov. 13, with a $5,750 surety and cash bond.