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Possible prolific burglar arrested in Putnam County, could be responsible for up to 30 crimes

Posted at 1:28 PM, Nov 15, 2017
and last updated 2017-11-15 19:54:04-05

PUTNAM COUNTY, Ind. -- A man arrested Tuesday in connection with two Putnam County burglaries could be responsible for as many as 30 across central Indiana.

Austin McFerron, 22, is charged with two counts of burglary and two counts of theft for two recent burglaries in Putnam County.

During one of those incidents, a homeowner says guns and jewelry were stolen from his home.

"He stole two handguns one was about 8 months old," said Mike Leissner. "I got it for Christmas for my daughter. He stole that and he also stole a 357 magnum and a lot of jewelry."

Leissner's wedding ring was also stolen.

While he is only facing two charges at this time, detectives believe McFerron could be responsible for as many as 15 burglaries in Putnam County alone and at least as many in neighboring Marion, Hendricks, Clay and Owen counties.

McFerron told police that he is addicted to heroin which is what led to his crime spree.

Al Rees at Westside Loan Company said McFerron pawned several items.

"He didn't appear to be on drugs," said Rees. "It's hard to doubt people without proof. but he was bringing stuff in here every other day."

Police are also looking for two persons of interest in connection with several of the crimes. Joseph Bishop and Dyllan Roberts may have been with McFerron during some or all of the incidents they are investigating.

More charges are likely as the case develops.

All crimes remain under investigation by the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department and departments from Marion, Hendricks, Clay and Owen counties.

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