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Man breaks into sheriff's office, stealing office supplies, surveillance shows

'Has to be one of the world's dumbest criminals'
Posted at 10:56 AM, May 09, 2017
and last updated 2017-05-09 11:00:11-04

RISING SUN, Ind. -- "This has to rank up there as one of the world's dumbest criminals."

Ohio County Sheriff Glen Potts didn't mince his words when he described Jack Steele Jr., 38, of Milan, Indiana.

Potts said Steele was caught on surveillance video breaking into the Ohio County Sheriff's Office early Saturday morning; he then stole office supplies.

Steele was at the sheriff's office waiting for a ride after an he was involved in an operating a vehicle while intoxicated investigation, Potts said. 

"Apparently, idle hands got the best of Steele and he decided that he needed to kill some time," a news release from the sheriff's office said.

Steele swiped a vehicle jump starter pack, a digital camera, a flashlight and several other items, the news release said. Deputies believe Steele "is a seasoned veteran when it comes to committing burglaries," because he is shown wiping his fingerprints off the surfaces of the office.

Jack Steele Jr. Photo provided by the Ohio County Sheriff's Office

Steele's father, Jack Steele Sr., picked him up from the sheriff's office on Saturday morning.

On Monday, deputies executed search warrants for both men's homes, Potts said; some of the items were recovered. Steele Sr. was arrested "for his part of the crime."

Steele Jr. is still wanted on three charges: burglary, theft and obstruction of justice.

Anyone with information on Steele Jr.'s whereabouts is asked to call the Ohio County Sheriff's Office at 812-438-3636.