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Spokane man accused of theft

KAYE THORNBRUGH | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 5 years, 5 months AGO
by KAYE THORNBRUGH
Kaye Thornbrugh is a second-generation Kootenai County resident who has been with the Coeur d’Alene Press for six years. She primarily covers Kootenai County’s government, as well as law enforcement, the legal system and North Idaho College. | April 1, 2021 1:00 AM

COEUR d’ALENE — Police arrested a Spokane man after he allegedly pried open a locker at a local gym and stole multiple wallets.

Jaymes R. Kirby, 21, is charged with two counts of grand theft of a financial instrument and one count of destruction of evidence, all felonies. He is also charged with two counts of petit theft, both misdemeanors.

Police responded around 3:45 a.m. Saturday to a report that an unknown person had stolen items from a locker at a Coeur d’Alene gym.

Two men told police they had placed their belongings inside a locker, which was secured with a keyed padlock, before going to work out.

When they returned, the locker had been pried open and their belongings, including wallets containing cards and cash, were gone.

Later that day, a man, identified as Kirby, allegedly attempted to use one of the missing debit cards at a Coeur d’Alene gas station.

He then reportedly discarded the missing wallets in a trash can, where they were found by an employee.

Police used security footage to identify Kirby’s car, which was later located at a Coeur d’Alene motel.

When questioned by police, Kirby reportedly acknowledged he was at the gym around the time of the alleged theft. He also acknowledged throwing items into the trash at the gas station.

Police arrested Kirby at the motel. The missing items were found inside the room, according to court documents.

In Idaho, grand theft is punishable by a minimum of one year in prison and a maximum of 20 years.

A preliminary hearing in the case is scheduled for April 9.

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