Linton man arrested for stealing dog

A 30-year-old Linton man was arrested on June 22 on charges of theft after allegedly stealing a dog. 

Linton Police Department Officer Alan Jackson arrested Sean Craft after he allegedly stole a brown and white pit bull. 

The dog’s owner contacted Dispatch and reported Craft had stolen his dog. Officer Jackson located Craft walking said dog in front of the Linton-Stockton High School. 

When asked about the dog, Craft alleged he originally purchased the dog but was unable to provide any proof of ownership documentation. According to the probable cause, he told Jackson he gave the dog to his brother when he became homeless and unable to care for the animal. When asked how he took possession of the dog, Craft alleged he walked by his brother’s, waved, and started a conversation. Craft said his brother told him to take the dog. Jackson asked a witness if that was true. The witness said yes, but allegedly broke eye contact and stared away from the officer. 

Linton Police Officer Mitchell Eberhardt stood with Craft while Jackson called the owner. The owner alleged Craft gave him the dog in March 2023 when he became homeless and unable to care for the dog. Since that time, he said he has cared for the dog and turned the dog into a service animal for his girlfriend. The owner denied Craft stopping by the residence and having a conversation. He also denied stating Craft could have to dog. 

When the dog went missing, the owner was at the gas station and the dog was in a kennel cage outside and was tied to a green ratchet strap attached to a collar to prevent the dog from jumping out of the kennel. Jackson noted in the probable cause affidavit the dog with Craft had a green ratchet strap attached to its collar. 

According to the probable cause affidavit, when the owner and his girlfriend arrived on scene, the dog recognized them and became excited. Jackson informed Craft the dog would be going back with its owners, to which Craft refused and denied. 

Craft was placed under arrest for a Class A Misdemeanor charge of theft and transported to Greene County Jail. 

He appeared in Greene Superior Court on June 26 for an initial hearing. At the initial hearing, his bond was increased to $10,000 surety with 10% allowed.