Bond has been set at $75,000 for a 19-year-old Salem man who has been charged in Marion County Court with eight counts of motor vehicle burglary.
Salem Police believe Branden Powell of West Warmouth committed all eight burglaries by himself early Saturday morning. There were no signs of forced entry to any of the vehicles.
A tip led police to question Powell about the burglaries. He allegedly had items taken from the vehicles found at his home.
Police say the burglaries occurred in various areas of town, including three in the parking lot of an industry on West Main Street. Powell had also been arrested for theft of a vehicle that was later recovered. However, no auto theft charges have been filed in court.
Judge Michael McHaney set bond at $75,000, higher than the $50,000 recommended by Assistant State’s Attorney Tara Steele. Public Defender Craig Griffin had recommended a $5,000 personal recognizance bond because Powell was not a flight risk, the alleged crimes were non-violent and Powell had no criminal history.
The public defender was appointed to represent Powell.
Meanwhile, Salem Police are still looking for other victims as more stolen items have been recovered than those reported stolen. One additional burglary was reported on Monday on top of the 12 reported on Saturday.
