Kenneth W. Ball Jr., 44, of Jefferson City, has been charged with two felony counts of burglary in the second degree and misdemeanor stealing following an investigation into an alleged break-in Saturday at Garth Auto Sales on Hwy. 50 in Linn.
According to a probable cause statement filed by Det. Sgt. Mark Williams with the Osage County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were notified at about 10 a.m. Saturday, May 5, of a possible burglary at the dealership.
After clearing the building, deputies searched the vehicles in the lot and found Ball sitting in the front seat of a car on the lot.
During an interview recorded with body cam, Ball admitted to stealing food, drinks, and a whiteboard marker, and that he had unlawfully entered the business on two separate occasions since May 4. Ball said he had been on the property since May 3.
In his request for a warrant, Williams noted Ball has an extensive criminal history that includes convictions in Gasconade (1996), Boone (2007), and Franklin (2012) counties.
Williams also noted that Ball is currently homeless, a habitual user of illegal narcotics, including meth, and is strongly considered to be a flight risk.
Ball is being held at the Osage County Detention Center without bond.