Investigation ongoing - police ask for help
Four arrested, charged with area thefts
Wanda English Burnett - Editor

Charges have been filed against two Versailles and two Holton residents in connection with thefts and burglaries that occurred in the Versailles area on July 21, according to Ripley County Prosecutor Ric Hertel.

Those arrested and charged with Receiving Stolen Property include: Aaron L. Gorth, 18, and Clarissa L. Westmeier, 22, both of Versailles, Richard E. Perkinson, Sr. 42, and Richard E. Perkinson Jr., 19, both of Holton.

According to Prosecutor Hertel, the charges against them carry up to three years imprisonment and a $10,000 fine if they are found guilty.

Officials note that the investigation, which is ongoing, has turned up some of the missing items but still missing are rifles, cash, and prescription medications.

Reported in The Versailles Republican on July 22, several homes were burglarized in Versailles, some while people were sleeping in their homes. Also broken in to were a number of vehicles. The sheriff's department worked many of the cases along with the Versailles Police Department and Indiana State Police.

Prosecutor Hertel praised the cooperative effort of all the agencies involved and singled out ISP Trooper James Wells "for a diligent and persistent effort resulting in the arrests and recovering the stolen property."

Citizens are reminded to inventory and photograph personal items. According to Prosecutor Hertel, this helps in identifying stolen property. Hertel further commented, "...the
community became safer today with these arrests due to the work of Trooper Wells and the other law enforcement agencies. Too often we take law enforcement and their work for granted unless directly impacted by the crime. We are fortunate to have well trained officers working these intensive investigations and protecting our community."

Anyone with additional information should contact Trooper Wells at 689-5000.