Theft of Lumber leads to arrest and new information on area Burglaries In Jennings County

He could face additional charges in Jackson and Bartholomew Counties

                                                           (Photo Courtesy of Jennings County Sheriff's Department FB Page)

On March 24th, 2025, Investigators with Jennings County Sheriff’s Office were contacted by a local construction contractor who reported that approximately $2000 worth of brand new lumber that had been delivered to a residence in Spencer Township, was stolen earlier that morning from the site that a home was being reconstructed.

Utilizing various investigative techniques and video surveillance, investigators were able to identify a suspect and his vehicle and trailer used in the theft.

This information lead investigators to a property on the far west side of Jennings County. Once there, investigators located the earlier reported stolen lumber as well as a brand new piece of machinery that had been recently stolen from The Home Depot in Seymour.

Contact was made with neighboring Law Enforcement agencies, who also later arrived on scene. Stolen property tied to approximately three unsolved burglaries in Jackson County was also located by investigators. It is also believed that the suspect, Steven E. Fettinger, is tied to two other burglaries in Bartholomew County, as missing property from those burglaries were also located.

Fettinger was located in Austin Indiana by members of the Austin Police Department and the Crothersville Police Department.

Detective Ian McPherson of the Jennings County Sheriff’s Office conducted an interview of Fettinger. At the conclusion of that interview, Steven E. Fettinger was placed under arrest and later transported to the Jennings County Jail where he was booked in for the charge of THEFT (Level 6 Felony) and is currently being held on a $45,000 bond.

At the time Fettinger’s arrest, he was out on bond through Jackson County for another Burglary charge.

This investigation is on-going, and Fettinger may face additional charges in Jackson County and Bartholomew County.

Chief Deputy Cody Low emphasizes the importance of Law Enforcement agencies working together and sharing information. Because of this mindset and culture, several crimes can now be solved because of multi-agency cooperation and communication.