From the Middlesboro Police Department -
On Friday, March 19, 2021 Sgt. Barry Cowan responded to a call on the 400 block of South 27th street in reference to a theft. Upon Sgt. Cowan arrival the victim advised him that someone has stolen a delivery package from her front porch.
The victim's neighbor, who witnessed the theft, immediately called the police department before calling the victim who wasn’t home at the time of the theft. The witness was able to give Sgt. Cowan a good description of the suspect. Sgt. Cowan conducted a six person lineup with the suspect being one of the people in it. The witness was able to positively identify the suspect that stole the package.
On Saturday March 20, 2021 Sgt. Cowan located the suspect, 30 year old Benjermen Hoskins of Middlesboro, at his residence. After Miranda warning was read to Hoskins he admitted to the theft. Hoskins then gave Sgt. Cowan the stolen items that he still had in his possession at his home.
Hoskins was lodged in the Bell County Detention Center charged with theft of mail matter - a class D felony.
All suspects reported on by WRIL are innocent until proven guilt in a court of law.