Theft and Property Damage Reported Following Real Estate Transfer in Pike County

The Pike County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a theft and property damage case involving a recently sold property on Highway 19 North.

According to Investigator Jason McDonald, law enforcement was dispatched to the residence on April 22 after the new property owner reported that multiple items had been unlawfully removed from a shop on the premises. The real estate transaction for the property officially closed on April 9.

The complainant stated that shortly after the sale, the former owner and an associate were seen on the property removing fixtures, including a hot water heater, wall-mounted HVAC unit, electrical wiring, and circuit breakers. The removed items were later located at a residence on Main Street in Murfreesboro.

Additionally, the complainant reported ongoing issues with access and unauthorized alterations to the property, including tree removal, fence dismantling, and the relocation of security cameras. The estimated cost to repair and replace the stolen and damaged items exceeds $5,900.

Based on evidence collected at the scene and statements from those involved, investigators believe there is probable cause to charge 49-year-old James Humphry and 47-year-old Jennifer Smith with Theft of Property and Criminal Mischief in the First Degree.