Suspect accused of stealing from employer "glad it's over" | Crime

A Brookland man arrested and accused of stealing parts from his place of business and selling them apparently told police he's "glad it's actually over."

On Friday, April 20, Jonesboro police arrested 31-year-old Keith Edward Hogan.

Hogan, who is the Parts Manager at Cavenaugh Ford, reportedly loaded four sets of tires valued at $1,964 into a pickup truck driven by Dennis "Denny" Elder, 61, of Jonesboro.

General Manager Aaron Baltz, who witnessed the transaction, told police he watched Hogan slip what he believed to be cash into his pocket.

Baltz reportedly confronted Hogan about what he had just witnessed.  According to police, Hogan provided a written statement to Baltz saying he had stolen $20,000 worth of tires and parts and sold them to Elder within the past five years.

Hogan reportedly handed over a $650 check from Elder & Sons Auto Sales.

After Hogan was taken into custody, he was reportedly videotaped in the officer's cruiser saying "I'm glad it's actually over.  I go to church and have felt guilty sitting there knowing what I had been doing."

Hogan was taken to the Craighead County Detention Center where he was charged with theft of property over $25,000.

Based on Baltz's statement and the check Hogan surrendered, Elder was listed as a suspect in theft by receiving over $1,000, according to the police report.

The check and Hogan's statement to Cavenaugh Ford were entered into evidence.

Photo provided by Craighead County Detention Center.