Hillsboro man charged in May theft

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Howard

By Sarah Allen [email protected]

A Hillsboro man is facing two felony charges after allegedly being involved in a May theft.

An affidavit filed with the Hillsboro Municipal Court states that the Highland County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call of stolen firearms at a Wizard of Oz Way residence on May 7.

Following an investigation, the alleged victim reported that a total of four firearms were missing.

According to the affidavit, a juvenile at the residence reported that a different juvenile had been in the home two days earlier and had “made the comment that he should steal the guns.”

After that juvenile was later found, he reportedly said that he and Timmy L. Howard, 19, had gone “into the house and (taken) the guns,” the affidavit states.

He also allegedly said that he and Howard had hidden the firearms in a field. The affidavit adds that, when HCSO was later taken to that field, three revolvers and one semi-automatic handgun were recovered. These were “identified as the guns missing,” according to the affidavit.

Court records show that a warrant was issued for Howard’s arrest on May 11. He was arrested on that warrant last Thursday, according to jail records. He is charged with second-degree felony burglary and third-degree felony theft.

Howard’s bond is set at $25,000 on a probation violation.

Records show that Howard previously pled guilty to first-degree misdemeanor criminal trespassing last June. A 90-day jail sentence was suspended on the condition that he pay half of a $500 fine, have no contact with reportedly involved parties, complete 40 hours of community service, and pay restitution. Howard was also placed on reporting probation.

Records add that he was later found guilty of a probation violation in August. A 60-day jail sentence was scheduled to be reviewed in November. At that time, a warrant was issued after Howard failed to appear, records show.

On Monday, those 60 days in jail were imposed. After Howard has served that time, he will be on a $25,000 bond. If he posts that bond, he will be on electronic monitoring house arrest.

Records add that a preliminary hearing on Howard’s new charges is set for July 16. While his case is pending, he is to have no contact with the alleged victim. He must also report to the probation department.

Also appearing on felony charges was James D. Coleman, 44, Lynchburg.

An affidavit filed with the court states that Coleman allegedly “admitted” to an HCSO deputy that he had gone to an Anderson Road property that he did not own, “but (that) he knew … had been vacant for a while.”

According to the affidavit, Coleman allegedly “took several items from the barn located at that property,” including a motorcycle jack, two tool boxes, a Skil saw, numerous hand tools, and a black powder firearm.

On July 2, Coleman reportedly met with the alleged victims. He allegedly “told (them) that he had stolen their belongings, and he felt bad and wanted to return them,” the affidavit states.

The affidavit adds that the items were in Coleman’s truck. One of the alleged victims then reported the incident to the sheriff’s office.

The deputy reports that Coleman allegedly “admitted to taking the items and trying to return them before law enforcement got involved,” according to the affidavit.

Coleman faces charges of third-degree felony theft, fifth-degree felony breaking and entering, and first-degree misdemeanor theft, according to records.

A preliminary hearing is set for July 16, records add. Coleman’s bond is set at his own recognizance (OR).

While his case is pending, Coleman is to have no contact with the alleged victims. He must also observe a curfew and report to the probation department.

Reach Sarah Allen at 937-393-3456, ext. 1680, or on Twitter @SarahAllenHTG.

Photo: Timmy L. Howard

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