Two Teenagers Arrested in Multi-County Auto Theft, Burglary Spree
City Times Staff
The Portage Co. Sheriff’s Office on Monday announced it had taken two 17-year-old boys into custody following a series of burglaries and auto thefts which took place in Wood and Portage counties last week.
The two are also suspected of similar crimes in Michigan.
James Johnston from the Town of Pine Grove and Caleb Mansfield of Mesick, Michigan, were identified after Wood County detectives released surveillance video of a gas drive-off involving both boys last week.
Portage Co. detectives located the two at an Isherwood Road residence in the Town of Pine Grove.
According to a news release from the sheriff’s office, Johnston and Mansfield both initially denied any knowledge of the crimes, but eventually admitted their involvement. They face multiple charges of burglary while armed, receiving stolen property, taking/driving a vehicle without owners’ consent and theft.
Detectives were able to recover several stolen vehicles, trailers, a UTV, firearms, and other stolen property.
Both appeared at a probable cause hearing in Portage County Circuit Court this afternoon, and each was being held on a $500 cash bond.
According to the news release, a 15-year-old co-conspirator was also interviewed as part of the investigation.
Johnson and Mansfield return to court on October 19.
