Freeport man charged with theft, identity theft

FREEPORT, Ill. (WIFR) – A 54-year-old Freeport man is behind bars accused of breaking into a vehicle and stealing several items, including bank cards.

James Brexton is charged with theft from a motor vehicle, theft with a prior conviction and two counts of identity theft.

Freeport man charged with theft, identity theft in car break-in(WIFR)

On Dec. 27, Freeport police were called to the 800 block of E. Garden Street for a burglary to a car parked inside a detached garage. Some of the stolen items included three bank cards.

The victim told police about unauthorized transactions on one of the cards at two locations in Freeport. Investigators say they were able to identify Brexton as the suspect through surveillance video.

Around 11 a.m. that same day, Brexton was seen in the area of West Douglas Street and West Avenue. When officers tried to talk to Braxton, he allegedly ran away. He was later arrested in the area of Grove Avenue and Douglas Street. While searching for Brexton, officers say they found the stolen bank cards and other property taken during the burglary on Garden Street.

Brexton is being held at the Stephenson County Jail pending the outcome of his Dec. 31 detention hearing.