FCSD seeks help in determining if suspect detained on resident’s roof may be responsible for more activity in Metamora area

By John Estridge based on a Franklin County Sheriff’s Department press release

A Franklin County man heard footsteps on his roof. Being the wrong time of the year for Santa and his reindeer, the man checked to see who or what had made the noise.

When the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department arrived on the scene, they found the homeowner had detained James D. Phillips, 31, Metamora.

According to a FCSD press release, this occurred at 6:54 a.m., Thursday, March 25.

Phillips was lodged in the Franklin County Security Center on a preliminary charge of Criminal Trespass, as a class A misdemeanor.

The investigation is ongoing. Deputies ask that if anyone has any further information pertaining to this incident as well as other suspicious activity in the Metamora area, to contact the FCSD at 765-647-4138.

Phillips’ preliminary charge was for booking and bail purposes only, FCSD officials emphasized in the press release. Once the investigation is complete, deputies will forward the results of their investigation to Franklin County Prosecutor Chris Huerkamp’s office for consideration of possible charges.

If convicted of a class A misdemeanor, Phillips could receive up to one year in the Franklin County Security Center.