Published: January 16, 2009 11:45 pm         

Police arrest fourth suspect tied to home invasions

TERRE HAUTE — A fourth arrest has been made in conjunction with two recent home robberies in Clay and Vigo counties.

According to a media release issued by the Indiana State Police, Christopher Charles Craft, 18, of Rosedale was arrested Friday on a class-D felony allegation of receiving or possessing stolen property.

Craft was a former standout on the Northview High School wrestling team, reaching the semi-state both freshman and sophomore years and winning the Bo Henry Invitational at Bloomington North High School in 2007.

He remained in the Clay County Justice Center with bail at $7,000, no 10-percent allowed, Friday evening.

Craft’s arrest is based on a home invasion Wednesday in northwestern Clay County, but he might face further charges relating to a similar incident on the same morning in Terre Haute, said Vigo County Chief Deputy Jake Compton.

Two men and a woman were arrested Thursday in conjunction with the same robberies.

According to Indiana State Police reports, a residence in northwestern Clay County was robbed after a 17-year old male resident was struck in the head with a blunt object while a 17-year old female and their baby were held at gunpoint about 3:30 a.m. Wednesday.

A similar robbery was reported at a residence in the 500 block of North Sharon Street, Terre Haute, about the same time.

Joshua L. Orman, 23, and his cousin, James Levi Orman, 18, both of Brazil, were arrested Thursday on allegations of burglary, a class-A felony; aggravated battery, a class-B felony; and robbery, a class-A felony.

Both remained in the Clay County jail Friday evening with bail at $50,000 and no 10 percent allowed.

Lindsey J. Beaman, 19, Bloomfield, was arrested on an allegation of false reporting, a class-D felony, and was detained in the Clay County jail with bail at $7,000, no 10 percent allowed.

Compton said detectives filed probable cause affidavits Friday against the first three suspects and most likely will file against Craft on Monday.

“They’re incarcerated over in Clay County and they’re not going anywhere,” he said.

The suspects will go through the court process in Clay County first before prosecution begins regarding the Vigo County charges, he said, noting strong cooperation between the Clay County Sheriff’s Department, the Indiana State Police and Vigo County authorities.

A person convicted of a class-A felony can be imprisoned up to 50 years and fined up to $10,000. A class-B felony can warrant up to 20 years in prison and fines of $10,000. A class-C felony is punishable by up to eight years in prison and $10,000 in fines, and a class-D felony is punishable with up to three years in prison and $10,000 in fines.



Brian Boyce can be reached at 812-231-4253 or brian.boyce@tribstar.com.