Inmate accused of theft at Independence Co. jail

BATESVILLE, Ark. (AP) - An inmate at the Independence County jail faces breaking and entering and theft charges after he allegedly broke into the jail's property room and stole items that belonged to other inmates.

An affidavit says jail staff found cigarette lighters and $55 in Michael Dennis Grubbs' cell after they received a report he'd broken into the evidence room. The Independence County sheriff's office says surveillance video footage captured the alleged theft.

Authorities claim that Grubbs admitted visiting the property room several times and stealing cigarettes from a purse. Authorities say he reportedly used a comb to pick the door's lock.

Chief Deputy Alan Cockrill tells the Batesville Daily Guard that an investigation is under way to determine how Grubbs reportedly entered the property room without anyone noticing.