MITCHELL – Two women are facing theft and burglary charges after Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department deputies responded to the 600 block of Peaceful Valley Road after a report of four people, a male, and three females, breaking into a home.
The renter and his girlfriend reported that 40-year-old Darbie Batchelor and 39-year-old Andrea Smith, and others had stolen property from his home and were leaving.
The renter told police he was missing several items including a PlayStation 5, shoes, a dog crate, clothing, baseball cards, jewelry, and other items.
Police found a stolen backpack in Smith’s possession. Inside were PlayStation 5 controllers and a virtual reality set. Smith was then detained on charges of burglary and theft.
Officers then drove to Batchelor’s home at 129 Flora Lane. While looking through the glass back door Officer Bailey Duprey saw the dog crate in the middle of the living room with a dog inside it. Officers applied for a search warrant for Batcherlor’s home and surrounding buildings, which was granted.
Officers made contact with Batchelor and searched her home. Police found the stolen baseball cards, dog crate, and other items.
Batchelor was then detained on charges of burglary and theft.
