Area man arrested in connection to vandalism

Lehr

Matthew Hayden Lehr, 26, was arrested Sunday and booked into the Clay County Justice Center on an arrest warrant issued by Clay Circuit Court Judge Joseph Trout for an incident that took place during the early morning hours of Sept. 27.

According to the probable cause affidavit filed in the case by the Clay County Sheriff's Department, Lehr was one of several suspects who allegedly rode all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) in a cornfield located just off State Road 42 near the intersection of North County Road 475 East.

Officials reported the incident caused more than $2,500 in damages.

Lehr is alleged to have taken possession of an ATV left at the scene, which was later identified as reported stolen from Hendricks County.

On Tuesday, Lehr, who will hire his own defense attorney, appeared by video conference before Clay Superior Court Judge J. Blaine Akers for formal charges of one class A misdemeanor criminal trespass and two class D felonies, including receiving stolen property and criminal mischief.

Lehr's bond was set at $7,000 (with 10 percent allowed), an informal not guilty plea was entered on his behalf and a jury trial was tentatively scheduled for March 1, 2010.

Another suspect in the incident, Justin Waldridge, 29, was arrested the morning of the incident. He was also formally charged with one class A misdemeanor criminal trespass and two class D felonies, including receiving stolen property and criminal mischief for his alleged involvement.

Waldridge is tentatively scheduled for a jury trial on Feb. 8, 2010.

Officials confirm the investigation in this case continues.

To report information about this incident or any other crime, contact the Clay County Sheriff's Department at 446-2535.