IFN Staff
Two suspects face criminal charges in connection with a break-in and theft that occurred at a business located off Sharon School Road following an investigation by the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff Darren Campbell announced the arrests of Arthur Lee Oxendale, 53, and Jana Lynn Parsons, 51, both of Arborgate Loop, Statesville, in a news release.
On Sunday, February 1, about 3:42 a.m., ICSO deputies responded to a commercial burglar alarm at a business located at 362 Sharon School Road.
Upon arrival, deputies discovered a ladder positioned at the rear of the building, fresh footprints in the snow, and a broken window, Campbell said. The business owner was contacted and responded to the scene.
Deputies discovered a damaged safe inside the business, and the owner reported a money box containing approximately $1,800 in cash was missing, according to the news release. The owner also reported that several hundred dollars’ worth of merchandise had been stolen.
Sergeant N. Hodges and his canine partner Levi arrived on the scene to assist. The deputies and Canine Levi followed the suspect’s track behind the business toward the area of Goble Road.
During the track, deputies located the missing money box, which had been emptied, along with additional evidence believed to have been dropped by the suspect, according to the news release. The track continued to Goble Road, where deputies determined the suspect appeared to have been picked up by a vehicle, Campbell said.
Due to limited vehicle traffic in the area during the winter storm, deputies were able to follow the vehicle tracks a short distance to a nearby neighborhood. The tracks ended at a residence on Arborgate Loop, the sheriff said.
At the residence, deputies located a vehicle in the driveway that appeared to have been recently driven, according to the news release.
Deputies also observed shoe prints consistent with those found at the crime scene leading from the vehicle into the residence, Campbell said. Deputies made contact with the occupants, identified as Jana Parsons and Oxendale.
Both individuals denied knowledge of the break-in and were uncooperative with deputies, the sheriff said.
ICSO detectives responded to the residence and obtained and executed a search warrant at the home, resulting in the recovery of some of the stolen property, according to the news release.
Following the investigation, detectives determined Oxendale had broken into the business and stolen cash and merchandise, the sheriff said. Investigators determined Parsons assisted Oxendale by picking him up in her vehicle and transporting him back to her residence, he added.
Arrest warrants were obtained for both individuals, and they were taken into custody and transported to the Iredell County Detention Center.
After his arrest, Oxendale was also found to be in possession of a small amount of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia, according to the news release.
Oxendale was charged with Felony Breaking and Entering, Felony Larceny after Breaking & Entering, Felony Safecracking, Felony Possession of Methamphetamine, and Misdemeanor Possess Drug Paraphernalia. He ordered held without bond Magistrate Nicholson due to being out on bond for pending charges.
According to the ICSO, Oxendale’s criminal history includes the following charges: Felony First-Degree Kidnapping, Felony Habitual Felon, Felony Possess Stolen Goods, Felony Breaking and Entering, Felony Attempted Breaking and Entering, Felony Possess Counterfeit Instrument, Misdemeanor Larceny, Misdemeanor Possess Drug Paraphernalia, Misdemeanor False Report to Police, Misdemeanor Second Degree Trespass, Misdemeanor Shoplifting, Misdemeanor Fail to Appear, and Misdemeanor Assault on a Female.
Parsons, 51, was charged with Felony Conspiracy and was issued a $10,000.00 secured bond by Magistrate Russell.