Two Winfield residents are facing felony charges following an investigation into the burglary of the Winfield Open Bible Church.
According to a criminal affidavit filed in Henry County District Court, the Winfield Police Department began investigating after Pastor Asher Smale reported music equipment had been stolen from the church at 203 North Walnut Street sometime between late August and September 2nd.
Investigators estimated the value of the stolen property at approximately $4,150. The missing items included a Ludwig drum set, Yamaha keyboard, Fender amplifier, Coachmen microphone, Shure handheld microphone, an Alienware laptop computer, and possibly other items.
The investigation included interviews, public tips, and surveillance video, which police say identified 30-year-old Carissa Moore and Brandon Dakota Wren as being in possession of the stolen property.
Police later recovered a Ludwig bass drum in an alley in Winfield. Following the execution of a search warrant on a GMC Envoy parked behind a residence on East Ash Street, officers recovered several additional stolen items, including parts of the drum set, the keyboard, amplifier, speakers, audio cables, and other equipment. The property was positively identified by Pastor Smale and members of the church.
According to court documents, surveillance footage and witness statements placed Moore and Wren in possession of the stolen items, and witnesses told investigators the pair admitted to breaking into the church while intoxicated and taking the equipment.
Because the value of the stolen property exceeded $1,500 but was less than $10,000, Moore and Wren have each been charged with second-degree theft, a Class D felony. They also face third-degree burglary charges in connection with the incident.
As a reminder, a charge is an accusation and the accused are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.