FREEPORT, Ill. (WIFR) – A 54-year-old Freeport man is behind bars after being accused of breaking into a vehicle and stealing several items, including bank cards.
James Brexton has been charged with burglary from a motor vehicle, theft with a prior conviction, and two counts of identity theft. The charges stem from a break-in on Dec. 27, when Freeport police responded to a burglary at the 800 block of E. Garden Street. The victim reported that several items, including three bank cards, were stolen from a car parked inside a detached garage.
The victim later informed authorities that unauthorized transactions had been made at two locations in Freeport using one of the stolen bank cards. Investigators were able to identify Brexton as the suspect after reviewing surveillance footage.
Later that day, around 11 a.m., Brexton was spotted near the intersection of West Douglas Street and West Avenue. When officers attempted to speak with him, Brexton reportedly fled the scene. He was arrested a short time later in the vicinity of Grove Avenue and Douglas Street. During his arrest, police discovered the stolen bank cards along with other items taken during the Garden Street burglary.
Brexton is currently being held at the Stephenson County Jail and is awaiting his detention hearing on Dec. 31.
