More charges filed in storage unit break-in

A third person has been charged in connection with stealing nearly $13,000 in items from storage units in October.

Michelle Hart, 26, of Jefferson City, is charged with one count of receiving stolen property.

Darnell Parker, 47, was charged with receiving stolen property and possession of a controlled substance in this case. He is scheduled to appear in court today.

In November, Jimmie Johnson Jr., 47, of Jefferson City, was sentenced to two years in prison for pleading guilty to receiving stolen property, second-degree burglary and possession of a controlled substance in connection with this case.

Parker sold wheels, batteries, computer component parts and a radiator for scrap value to New World Recycling, according to Jefferson City Police Department probable cause statements.

An employee at the businesses recognized the items as belonging to him and had been stored at Hidden Storage on Madison Street.

The owner of the storage units was contacted, and he found seven units had been damaged and broken into.

Officers went to an apartment on East Atchison Street, where Parker, Hart and Johnson were staying.

A search of the residence turned up dressers, a cash register, Beanie Babies, quilts, numerous tools, swords, knives, ottomans and toys.

Hart told officers she attempted to sell the tools, believing Johnson had stolen them.

Others who lived in the residence with Parker and Johnson told officers they had called antique dealers trying to sell the items.

When Johnson was taken into custody, he was also found to be in possession of methamphetamine. Parker was found to be in possession of marijuana when he was arrested.

Parker admitted to police he had helped Johnson carry the items to the apartment they were staying in, but he did not know where they came from, although he did believe they were stolen.