St. Joseph Woman Charged After Wiring Allegedly Removed From Bethany Rental Home

A St. Joseph woman is facing two felony charges in Harrison County after authorities say electrical wiring was removed from a rental home in Bethany, causing nearly $4,000 in damage.

Felicia Campbell has been charged with class D felony stealing and class E felony first-degree property damage.

Harrison County Prosecuting Attorney Michael D. Wulff filed the charges June 16.

According to court documents, Campbell is accused of taking electrical wire valued at $750 or more sometime between Jan. 1 and May 22. Prosecutors also allege she damaged electrical wiring and a fuse box inside the residence while removing the wire.

The property owner later estimated the cost of repairing the electrical damage at $3,825.

The case began with an investigation by the Bethany Police Department.

According to the police report, an officer met with the owner of the rental property on May 22. The owner told police that former residents had allegedly removed wiring from the home before moving out.

The owner said no formal rental agreement had been signed with Campbell and Eddie Garza. An agreement had originally been made for their mother to rent the residence, but she died before moving in. The owner later allowed Campbell and Garza to live at the property without signing a new rental agreement.

Police were told the occupants had not paid rent and had been encouraged to leave the residence. After they moved out, the owner inspected the home and discovered electrical wiring was missing.

The Bethany Police Department report identified both Campbell and Garza as suspects in the investigation. The court records provided in Campbell’s case charge her with stealing and first-degree property damage.

A warrant was issued for Campbell with bond set at $10,000 cash only. Court records indicate she was arrested Aug. 31 in Daviess County.

Campbell is scheduled to appear for an initial arraignment at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 9, in Harrison County Circuit Court in Bethany before Circuit Judge Jay Hemenway.

A defense request seeking permission for Campbell to appear virtually, or alternatively to continue the hearing, was considered Sept. 2. The judge continued the case to Sept. 9 but ordered that appearances be made in person.

The charges are allegations. Campbell has not been convicted of the offenses.