Would-be W’burg burglars caught in the act

Williamsburg police captured two would-be alleged burglars in the act early Thursday morning behind Tractor Supply.

About 2:10 a.m., Officers Mike Taylor and Cody Jeffries responded to an activated alarm at Tractor Supply, which is located on Penny Lane.

When officers arrived, they discovered Barney Rhinehart and Dewayne L. Shelley, both 50, of Williamsburg, parked at the rear of the building loading a Cub Cadet garden tiller into a tan 1999 Chevy Blazer, according to a police release.

Police charged Shelley and Rhinehart with third-degree burglary, possession of drug paraphernalia and theft by unlawful taking farm equipment $500 or more but less than $10,000.

In addition, police charged Shelley with having a controlled substance prescription that wasn’t in its original container.

Police reportedly found a glass crack pipe in the vehicle with residue on it, according to an arrest citation.

Shelley reportedly had three packs of Suboxone on him, according to his arrest citation.

Rhinehart and Shelley were lodged in the Whitley County Detention Center, and pleaded not guilty during their arraignment Thursday afternoon in Whitley District Court.

Judge Cathy Prewitt appointed the public advocate’s office to represent each defendant and set $10,000 cash bonds for both Shelley and Rhinehart.

Taylor was the only witness, who testified during a preliminary hearing Monday morning in their case.

At the conclusion of the hearing, Prewitt ruled there was probable cause to send the case to the Whitley County Grand Jury.

She ordered Rhinehart and Shelley to appear in Whitley Circuit Court on Sept. 19 to see whether they have been indicted.