VERMILLION CO. – The Clinton City Police Department requested the Putnamville State Police Post to investigate a burglary on February 17, 2025, that occurred at Kirby’s Food IGA, 1047 Western Avenue, Clinton, Indiana. On that day, employees arrived at the IGA and discovered that the business had been broken into, with approximately $13,000 missing from the company safe.
Putnamville Detectives and Crime Scene Investigators began an immediate investigation. After collecting evidence at the scene and reviewing the videos, they were able to piece together a timeline of what happened before, during, and after the burglary. Three suspects were identified, and several interviews and search warrants were executed.
The course of the investigation has led to the arrests of three individuals. Mark A. Wehr, 57, of Terre Haute, Pamela A. Smallwood, age 62, of Terre Haute, and Crystal J. Phelps, 60, of Clinton, were all arrested and taken into custody without incident. They were transported to the Vermillion County Jail and are being held without bond, awaiting their first court appearance.
Wehr is facing charges of burglary, a Level 5 felony; theft, a Level 6 felony; organized theft, a Level 6 felony; criminal trespass, a Class A misdemeanor; and criminal mischief, a Class B misdemeanor.
Smallwood and Phelps are facing charges of burglary, a Level 5 felony, theft, a Level 6 felony, and organized theft, a Level 6 felony.
The investigation was conducted by Indiana State Police Detectives Don Curtis and Ted Robertson, with the assistance of Sergeant Michael Featherling, CSI Sergeant Tim Rader, and CSI Sergeant Michael Organ of the Putnamville State Police Post.
Under the law, criminal charges are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
