A Logansport man was recently arrested on felony property theft charges after he was hired by an out-of-state developer to build apartments but instead allegedly took $300,000 and began to charge people to live in what was once a church on S Armstrong St in Kokomo.
According to police reports, the out-of-state developer contacted the Kokomo Police Department April 18 to report being the victim of fraud. The victim claimed he had hired John Barry Centers, 41, of Logansport, to renovate a former church into an apartment building.
In 2024, however, the victim discovered work on the structure had no been completed despite Center being paid for the jobs. The victim was also informed Centers had began renting out the building to numerous individuals who were paying rent to Centers. The victim estimated they lost at least $300,000 from the scheme.
Centers was charged with theft of property valued over $50,000, a Level 5 Felony. He was eventually arrested on June 20 and booked at the Howard County Criminal Justice Center. The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with more information about the case is asked to contact Detective Drew J. Wallsmith at (765) 456-7388.
Phase II complete on Parke County Rail Trail
Parke County officials seek info in Coxville Bridge damage
Lineup of 50 new food creations featured during this year's Indiana State Fair
Indiana wrapping up recounts in three legislative races
New traffic pattern to impact State Road 63 in Vermillion County
Garth Brooks announces The Blame It All On My Roots Tour kicking off at Gainbridge Fieldhouse
Art and photo contest open for DNR hard card licenses
IFB: Summer cookout costs decrease for Indiana shoppers, lower than U.S. average
$22 million Fourth of July water roller coaster coming to Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari
ISDA Launches IMAGE Cost-Share Program for southwest Indiana producers
July 4th: Red Cross offers safety tips for a harmless holiday
Full steam ahead: Indiana State Fair to debut new Family Train Ride in 2026
Governor Braun highlights America 250 Celebrations, encourages communities to participate with sSpecial grant program
Arts grant to support Parke Players’ summer musical, Ritz Theater
Missing teen Peyton Fulk found in Florida
