LAWRENCE CO. – A New Albany man incarcerated at the Plainfield Correctional Facility has been charged in Lawrence County with theft and criminal mischief from an incident in June 2023.
Mark Carothers, 34, is accused of removing parts from a disabled vehicle on State Road 37.
According to a probable cause affidavit filed by Lawrence County Police Department Sergeant R. Compton, the investigation began on June 16th, 2023, when a woman reported a theft from her disabled vehicle on the southbound side of State Road 37, just south of Washboard Road.
She stated that her vehicle had become disabled around June 5, 2023, and had to be left on the shoulder. When she and her fiancé returned to repair it on June 16th, they discovered that the battery, floor jack, jack stand, and catalytic converters had been removed. The vehicle was found resting on a spare tire that did not belong to her.
Sergeant Compton observed several saw blades and a DeWalt mechanics glove near the vehicle, which the woman and her fiancé stated did not belong to them. These items were collected as evidence.
DNA analysis of the glove later yielded a match to Carothers, who was found to be incarcerated at the Plainfield Correctional Facility on an unrelated matter. A DNA search warrant was obtained for Carothers.
Detective Jim Slone interviewed Carothers at the prison on April 17, 2024. According to Detective Slone’s report, after being read his Miranda Rights, Carothers initially denied stealing any catalytic converters but later admitted to taking the converter off an SUV with a flat tire, stating he was “strung out of my mind” at the time. He also acknowledged losing sawzall blades at the scene and identified the recovered glove as his. Carothers reportedly could not recall what he did with the battery.
Based on the DNA evidence and Carothers’ statements during the interview, Sergeant Compton concluded there was probable cause to believe Carothers committed theft and criminal mischief offenses. A warrant has been requested for his arrest in Lawrence County on these charges, and he was detained on Thursday, May 8.
All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. This article is based on the information provided in the Probable Cause Affidavit and does not represent a final determination of guilt or innocence.
