From WRIL -
On Thursday May 6, Middlesboro Police Sgt. Barry Cowan responded to a report of a theft and subsequent vehicle theft at Kroger in Middlesboro.
In his citation, Sgt. Cowan states that the victim, Michael Wafford, laid his jacket on a shopping cart inside Kroger. The jacket contained Wafford’s wallet with his identification, credit cards, and approximately $80 in cash.
Video surveillance showed 31-year-old Benjermen Hoskins of Middlesboro take Wafford’s jacket, exit the store, and leave with his 2012 silver Ford pickup truck.
On Friday, May 7th at 1:36pm, Hoskins was taken into custody after being stopped while driving the stolen truck. While being questioned at police headquarters, Hoskins was found in possession of a check with Wafford's signature forged on it made out to Hoskins for $500. Hoskins admitted to forging the check and using Wafford’s credit card at Walmart the day of the theft.
He was lodged in the Bell County Detention Center charged with theft under $500, criminal possession of a forged instrument – 2nd degree, fraudulent use of a credit card under $500, auto theft $10,000 or more but under $1,000,000, failure to wear seatbelt, speeding, and possession of controlled substance – 1st degree, 1st offense.
He is set for arraignment on Tuesday, May 18, 2021.