Officers testify during preliminary hearing

BENTON — A Benton man accused of burglarizing a former employer was in court Tuesday for a preliminary hearing.
Judge Tom Tedeschi found probable cause to hold over Brian S. Davis, 24, of the 400 block of Grand Street, for trial. Davis is represented by Public Defender Mike Rowland.
Troy Wise, attorney for the state, called two witnesses during the hearing — Brian Craddock, a Benton Police Department patrol officer and Detective Kyle Melvin, also of the Benton Police Department.
Craddock testified that on or about Jan. 17 he responded to the report of a burglary at Fast Trucks and Trailers, located at 125 Industrial Park Road in Benton. Craddock said he talked to the owner of the business, Steve Sabo, who reported $78 missing from the cash drawer and the theft of a .22 caliber pistol from an upstairs apartment. Also taken, according to court records, were two fuel injectors, a flashlight and various tools, having a total value less than $500.
Craddock testified entry was gained to the business by busting a window on an overhead door and the garage door opener was activated.
Craddock said he contacted Detective Funkhouser, who then processed the crime scene.
Detective Melvin essentially gave the same testimony, although he added that Davis was arrested following a traffic stop on West Main Street. During the course of a subsequent interview, Davis admitted that he formerly worked at the burglarized business.
Melvin also said the .22 caliber pistol taken from the condominium was taken to a residence in West City, where a friend of Davis resided.
After the judge found probable cause for the case to proceed, Davis entered pleas of not guilty to two counts of burglary, a charge of possession of a stolen firearm and theft under $500.
An April 12 trial date has been scheduled. A pre-trial conference will be held at 1:30 p.m. on March 9 and a final pre-trial at 930 a.m. on March 31.