Woman arrested in connection with church theft

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Butler County Sheriff's deputies arrested a Poplar Bluff woman in connection with the Wednesday theft of more than $3,900 in sound equipment from Oak Hill General Baptist Church.

Investigators are seeking second-degree burglary charges against Elizabeth C. Hart, 38, of the 300 block of County Road 567.

County investigators found Hart and her vehicle Wednesday near the intersection of Park and Ninth, with the stolen items inside. They consisted of several guitars and amplifiers valued at $3,950.

During interviews, investigators reported Hart admitted to planning to sell the equipment to pay for legal fees in another criminal case. She faces active Butler County warrants for receiving stolen property in a Sept. 29 case. County investigator Wesley Popp said Hart has a history of stealing.

With Christmas three weeks away, Popp said the church is grateful to have the equipment back.

"I talked to the pastor this morning, and he was tickled pink," Popp said.