Man Who Evaded Deputies, Police Captured In St. Clair

A Cuba man who fled from Crawford County Sheriff’s deputies and Sullivan police officers May 16 has been charged in a burglary that occurred more than two years ago at a local radio station.

Jeremy Klein, 20, faces one count of second-degree burglary and one count of felony stealing — $750 or more. 

The charges stem from the April 21, 2022 burglary of KCKF radio station in Cuba.

According to the probable cause statement, a representative of KCKF reported to deputies that over the weekend, the station had ceased broadcasting.

The building was burglarized and several items were taken.

It included a transmitter valued at $12,000; a processor valued at $3,500; an exciter valued at $2,450; an air conditioning unit valued at $600; copper wire and grounding straps valued at $499; an amplifier and speakers valued at $400; and a computer valued at $400. 

A vehicle was seen on camera of a residence by which any traffic to and from the building must pass, according to court documents.

The vehicle was identified as a 2015 Chevrolet Cruze LT, which had tape on the passenger side front window to hold it up.

The vehicle, which belonged to Klein’s brother, was located in Sullivan and the owner provided proof that he did not have his vehicle.

On a later date, a deputy contacted Klein’s brother, who showed the stolen processor. The air conditioning unit also was brought to the brother’s house, but Klein had reportedly left with it.

Klein spoke to the deputy over the phone and agreed to meet, but it took nearly three months until he was located. 

Klein was interviewed July 26, 2022, where he allegedly admitted to stealing copper and returning twice to take items.

Klein allegedly said that he and another party were selling the items for that person’s wife, who was in prison. 

Klein was last seen running into the woodline in the 2000 block of Highway D in Crawford County on May 16. 

He was captured by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office on May 23.