Construction employee arrested for theft

Saturday, February 19, 2011

CLINTON -- Indiana State Police detectives from the Putnamville Post have concluded a nearly two week investigation into allegations of theft by an employee of White Construction Company located in Clinton.

The Criminal Investigation Division at the Putnamville Post was initially notified on Jan. 28 by management of White Construction Co. alleging theft by one of their employees.

During the investigation, detectives found that employee Brian J. Blackburn, 37, of Rosedale was allegedly taking hand tools, professional grade survey equipment, medical equipment and safety equipment from his employer White Construction Co.

Blackburn allegedly placed those items on eBay for sale. Buyers would then pay Blackburn for the equipment using the on-line PayPal account associated with eBay.

On Thursday, Blackburn was taken into custody at his residence.

He was initially charged with one count of theft, a Class D felony.

He was incarcerated in the Vermillion County Jail and currently has no bond.

The estimated monetary amount of the items recovered thus far is $8,000.

Additional charges are possible as the investigation progresses.

A Vermillion County Circuit Court search warrant was executed at the time of Blackburn's arrest for his residence and outbuilding located at 543 East Middle St. in Rosedale.

During the search, state police investigators located additional alleged stolen construction related tools and equipment from White Construction, mostly in the outbuilding on Blackburn's property.

The investigation was conducted by Indiana State Police Detective Tony Guinn. He was assisted by multiple ISP detectives, crime scene investigators, and troopers from the Putnamville Post, along with the Vermillion County Prosecutor's Office.

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