JONESBORO, Ark. — A Jonesboro man accused of breaking into a building and stealing religious ceremonial oil appeared in court Monday, where his bond was set at $50,000 cash or surety.
Haskel White faces charges of commercial burglary, a Class C felony, and theft of property valued at $1,000 or less from a building, which is listed as a second offense and a Class D felony, according to court records.
Police responded to reports of a burglary in progress on Friday, October 23, at a property in the 1100 block of Strawfloor Drive, according to a probable cause affidavit. Investigators allege that White entered the building by forcing open a window on the west side.
While at the scene, police discovered religious ceremonial oil that White admitted to taking, the affidavit states. Additionally, a witness reported that a SimpliSafe alarm system’s base station and sensor were missing from the property. Surveillance footage allegedly showed White holding the base station in the foyer before using an umbrella to block the camera, according to investigators.
The missing alarm equipment was not recovered during police searches of the building, the affidavit noted.
On October 26, District Judge Tommy Fowler ruled there was probable cause to detain White and approved his bond. Court documents indicate that a handwritten note highlighted White’s "very long history" of offenses, including breaking or entering, theft, and failures to appear in court.
A public defender was appointed to represent White, whose next court appearance is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. on December 16 in Craighead County Circuit Court.
All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.