Five have been arrested after entering a home on Lake Forest Drive on more than one occasion and stealing approximately $100,000 worth of jewelry, Detective Lonnie Mullins announced, of the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department in Independence Township.
Mark Steven Rood, 17, Bradley Scott Paulson, 18, Jared Kim Pruess, 18, all of Clarkston, as well as Andrew Edward Gray, 19, of Pontiac, and the homeowner’s 16-year-old grandson, whose name is not being released because of his juvenile status, have been arrested and arraigned.
Rood is being charged with second degree home invasion, a 15 year felony, and larceny in a building, a four year felony. He was arraigned Saturday, May 31 at the Oakland County Circuit Court and was given a $15,000 bond. He has since posted bail.
Paulson, who was also arraigned May 31, is charged with receiving and concealing stolen property over $11,000 but under $20,000, a five year felony. He is still in custody with a $5,000 bond.
Gray and Pruess were arraigned on Tuesday June 3, at the 52-2 District Court in Clarkston. Both are charged with second degree home invasion. Gray received a $2,500 bond and Pruess a $3,000 bond. Both have posted bail.
Mullins said the break-ins occurred two to four times between April 22 and May 25. The grandson told police he took Rood to the home where they stole items. Rood then returned with the other men on various occasions and also took items out of the house.
Much of the jewelry stolen has been recovered, Mullins said, found along the sidewalk leading up to the invaded home, with Paulson’s girlfriend, and three pieces at a pawn shop in Waterford.
A preliminary exam is scheduled for Rood and Gray at the 52-2 court on Thursday, July 10. Pruess and Paulson waived their rights to an exam.
The case against the 16-year-old boy has been sent to probate court and is pending.