FIRST REPORT: Middletown couple charged in neighborhood crime spree
The couple appeared Wednesday for arraignment in Middletown Municipal Court, where bond was set by Judge James Sherron at $58,000 for Klepinger and $40,000 for Brown. Both remain in the Middletown City Jail.
Klepinger is also a Tier II sex offender, according to the Butler County Sheriff’s Office. He was convicted in 2009 of corruption of a minor with sexual motivation.
Brown and Klepinger are scheduled to be back in court Aug. 8 for a preliminary hearing.
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On July 20, Klepinger allegedly broke into his neighbor’s house on Lefferson Road and stole numerous items, according to police. The next day, Klepinger filed a police report claiming that he too was the victim of a burglary and reported that thousands of dollars worth of property was stolen.
Through investigation, detectives discovered that a burglary did not occur at Klepinger’s house and that he was attempting to defraud his insurance company, according to police.
On Monday a residence in the 22o0o block of Carolina Street was set ablaze. The house was being rehabbed, and police determined Klepinger and Brown broke in and stole building materials and then set the fire to cover up their crime.
When the fire occurred, the city’s Arson Task Force found evidence linking Klepinger to the arson. MORE: West Chester police seek help in finding missing woman.
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