Woman arrested in Mercer Co. scrapping stolen metals

Mercer County Sheriff Jeff Grey announced Saturday his office has filed charges against a Celina woman regarding an area break-in of a local business. Mandi L. Gibbons, age 31, of 632 Grove Street #9, Celina, is currently being held in the Mercer County Detention Center on charges of breaking and entering and theft, both felonies of the fifth degree.

"Gibbons has admitted to stealing over $1,000 in metal tent stakes from Reliable Rental, Inc. in Celina. The business reported the theft on January 20 and deputies responded and took a report. Information was obtained placing  Gibbons at the scene in the days following and also information regarding the disposal and sale of the stolen items," said Sheriff Grey.

On Thursday,  during an interview at the Sheriff’s Office, Gibbons admitted to the theft and disposal of the items at a local salvage yard. "Gibbons was taken into custody and incarcerated at the Mercer County Jail," noted Grey.

Her vehicle that was used in the theft offense was towed from the Sheriff’s Office and impounded. The vehicle contains other items that are believed to stolen, including a large amount of farm machinery and pieces of farm machinery and other equipment.

Gibbons appeared in Celina Municipal Court on Friday and was ordered held on a $5,000 cash bond.