BEDFORD—James H. Cupp, of Clayton, Indiana, was arrested in connection with a theft and fraud case investigated by the Bedford Police Department.
The theft occurred on April 20, 2023. Cupp is accused of stealing items from a parked car and making fraudulent purchases
According to the affidavit filed by Detective Max Uebelhoer, the case stems from an incident at the Big Lots store located on 16th Street in Bedford, where a female victim reported that her purse and several personal items were stolen from her vehicle. Kirk had left her car unlocked with her purse inside when she entered the store at approximately 7:55 a.m. Upon returning, she discovered that her purse, valued at $250, and other personal items, including two Coach wallets, makeup, and a debit card, were missing.
The woman later noticed two fraudulent charges, each for $41.88, made using her credit card at Walmart. Surveillance footage from the store, along with witness descriptions, led to a suspect—a male seen purchasing items at Walmart shortly after the theft. The suspect was identified as Cupp, who was also observed with a small dog, a detail that matched the description of the person seen near the woman’s car.
Further investigation revealed that several of the woman’s stolen items were recovered during a separate incident in Hendricks County. On May 6, 2023, Deputy Randall Childers of the Hendricks County Sheriff’s Department conducted a traffic stop that led to the arrest of Cupp and a female companion. During a search of their vehicle, numerous items belonging to the woman, including her driver’s license, debit/credit cards, and insurance cards, were found. Cupp initially claimed that all the items in the vehicle were his but later stated that they had been “found in a dumpster.”
Through the investigation, further evidence linking Cupp to the crime was discovered. Walmart provided transaction details showing a fraudulent purchase made using the woman’s stolen credit card, and additional digital evidence from Google confirmed Cupp’s connection to the fraudulent account.
Following the investigation, Detective Uebelhoer requested an arrest warrant for Cupp, supported by surveillance footage, witness testimony, and forensic evidence. Cupp, 31, was arrested on November 16 for theft, fraud, and unauthorized entry to a motor vehicle.
Those facing criminal charges are considered innocent unless convicted through due legal proceedings. Accusations alone do not imply guilt; the judicial system will evaluate the presented evidence to reach a verdict.
