JONESBORO, Ark. — A Jonesboro man has been charged with residential burglary and drug offenses after investigators reportedly identified him in a surveillance video showing two individuals removing a refrigerator from a residence, court records reveal.
Shawn Michael McGarrh, 44, is accused of residential burglary, a Class B felony, along with possession of methamphetamine or cocaine and drug paraphernalia, both Class D felonies. His bond was set by District Judge Tommy Fowler at $75,000 cash or surety in each case, to run concurrently. McGarrh has been appointed a public defender and is scheduled to return to court on September 30.
According to a probable cause affidavit, the investigation began on August 1 when deputies responded to an unoccupied residence in Craighead County that was undergoing repairs. Investigators noted an apparent entry point at the rear of the home where a window air-conditioning unit had been removed.
The property owner reported several items stolen from inside the home, including a television, gaming equipment, and a digital camera. Additionally, outdoor items like an air-conditioning unit, a window unit, and an electrical meter box were taken. A vehicle on the property was also moved during the incident, according to the affidavit.
While no suspects were initially identified, the homeowner installed surveillance cameras. On August 4, the cameras captured a blue, four-door Hyundai on the property. Investigators noted a burn mark on the vehicle’s front passenger-side fender and used the Flock license plate system to locate information linking the vehicle to McGarrh. A deputy later found the vehicle parked at an address associated with him.
Further investigation into the Leads Online database revealed that McGarrh had sold metal items resembling parts from air-conditioning units and a catalytic converter. Upon returning to the property, deputies discovered a catalytic converter was missing from a parked vehicle.
On August 12, the homeowner reported the theft of a refrigerator. Surveillance footage reportedly showed two people carrying the appliance from the residence, with one individual falling during the process. Investigators later identified McGarrh as one of the individuals in the video, though the affidavit does not indicate which person fell or name the other individual involved.
Deputies served McGarrh with a felony arrest warrant for residential burglary on August 14. A subsequent search of his residence, conducted because McGarrh was on probation, reportedly uncovered approximately 1.2 grams of suspected methamphetamine and a pipe used for smoking meth inside a nightstand.
The affidavit does not specify whether any of the stolen items were recovered or if the second individual in the refrigerator theft has been identified.
All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
