Shane Michael Zobrist, 46, of Arnold has been charged with eight felonies and a misdemeanor for allegedly breaking into three Arnold businesses on or near Manufacturers Drive. He allegedly stole $27,879 worth of items and caused $3,100 worth of damage during the string of thefts at the businesses, authorities reported.
The Jefferson County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office charged Zobrist on July 5 with three counts of stealing and one count of second-degree burglary, each one a class D felony punishable by up to seven years in prison, as well as three counts of first-degree property damage and one count of stealing a catalytic converter, each one a class E felony that carries a penalty of up to four years; and one count of second-degree property damage, a class B misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in prison and a fine of up to $1,000, court records show.
He was being held Monday, July 18, in the Jefferson County Jail in Hillsboro on a $10,000 surety bond, according to court documents.
Zobrist was arrested July 4 when officers saw him walking in the 100 block of Manufactures Drive, near where all the thefts occurred, Arnold Police reported.
He allegedly admitted to stealing from the three businesses, and many of the stolen items were found in his home in the 2400 block of Cedar Lane in Arnold, according to the probable-cause statements in the case.
The thefts occurred between May 25 and June 21. During that time, Zobrist reportedly broke into GE Storage, 2869 Haag Road, two times. He also allegedly broke into Merchandise Pickup Service, 135 Manufacturers Drive, and Warren Sign, 2599 Arnold Tenbrook Road.
He allegedly stole catalytic converters, power tools and audio media equipment and damaged fences at GE Storage and Warren Sign, the report said.
On May 25, Zobrist reportedly entered the fenced area at GE Storage and cut off the catalytic converter from a 1994 Ford F-250. The converter, valued at about $2,500, allegedly was found in his home, according to the report.
Zobrist allegedly returned to GE Storage on June 19 and cut two holes in the fence surrounding the facility, causing about $1,600 worth of damage. He reportedly stole $10,000 worth of audio media equipment after cutting the lock off a trailer, and the equipment allegedly was found in his home, the report said.
He allegedly told investigators he stole other items while inside the storage facility, but because it is a long-term storage business, many victims may not be aware their items were stolen, Arnold Police reported.
Also on June 19, Zobrist reportedly forced open a garage door at Merchandise Pickup Services and stole Dewalt power tools and a Dewalt battery converter, altogether valued at $929. The tools allegedly were found at his home, the probable-cause statement said.
On June 21, Zobrist reportedly cut a hole in a fence around Warren Signs, causing about $500 in damage, and then stole $8,450 worth of Makita and Hilti power tools from five unlocked trucks. The tools allegedly were found in his home, the report said.
He also allegedly cut catalytic converters off two of the company’s trucks. The cost to repair the two trucks was estimated at about $6,000, the probable-cause statement said.