New Market Man Arrested In Auto Burglary Case

Oneida, TN (2011-11-28) A New Market man has been booked on burglary charges following an investigation into an auto burglary at a local discount store on Black Friday.

Roger Rowland, Jr., 35, of New Market, TN was arrested on Monday following an investigation into an auto burglary at the Wal-Mart SuperCenter in Oneida last Friday. According to an arrest warrant filed by Officer Blake Murphy of the Oneida Police Department, Rowland allegedly stole several items, including a DVD player, tool bag, a child’s table and toilet paper, from a vehicle in the parking lot. The victims, claimed the warrant, had just purchased the items from the store, but left them in their unoccupied car and went back inside. Video surveillance from the store reportedly caught the crime on tape. The perpetrator, stated the warrant, fled the scene in a green SUV.

On Monday, loss prevention employees at the store reportedly observed the vehicle in the parking lot. The Oneida Police Department responded to the scene, and transported Rowland for questioning. Rowland reportedly later admitted to the theft. A dress taken from the victim’s car was also reportedly recovered from Rowland’s vehicle. Other stolen items were also recovered and later associated with a theft case being worked by the Scott County Sheriff’s Department.

“While auto burglaries can happen at any time, they seem to increase around the holidays,” remarked Oneida Police Chief Darryl Laxton. Locking your car doors may not be enough. “Citizens can reduce the risk of becoming a victim by locking valuables in the trunk or placing them out of sight,” he added.

Rowland was booked on vehicle burglary charges, along with theft of under $500 and possession of drug paraphernalia.

The Oneida Police Department also recently worked two other theft cases:

· Alicia Nicole Jeffers, 36, of Oneida was booked on theft charges on November 28, 2011. According to Sgt. William Angel of the Oneida Police Department, Jeffers allegedly attempted to leave the Wal-Mart SuperCenter in Oneida will a shopping cart full of merchandise. The items in the cart were valued at $661.72; and,

· Emilee A. Potter, 33, of Huntsville was arrested on November 29, 2011 for allegedly cashing a stolen check. According to an arrest warrant filed by Patrolman Jason Pike of the Oneida Police Department, Potter allegedly took a check written to a male acquaintance. She allegedly cashed the check at First National Bank of Oneida, taking a total of $800 from the victim. She was booked on forgery charges.