Police: Suspect Hid Stolen Library Key Fob in Ball of Toilet Paper

JONESBORO, Ark. — A suspect accused of stealing a Jonesboro Public Library employee’s keys was arrested after police said they found the employee’s key fob concealed inside a ball of toilet paper in a restroom stall.

Patrick Anthony Osborne is charged with theft of property valued at $1,000 or less from a building, second offense, a Class D felony.

Jonesboro police responded Aug. 20 to the library after an employee reported leaving his keys on a restroom counter. The keys were missing when he returned, according to a probable cause affidavit.

The employee told officers Osborne was the only person who entered the restroom after the keys were left there. Surveillance footage allegedly showed Osborne leave that restroom with the key before entering a different restroom.

Officers went to the second restroom and found a locked stall. They waited outside until Osborne exited and then detained him, the affidavit states.

Because officers knew Osborne was on probation, they searched him but found no keys. Police then searched the stall and allegedly discovered the key fob hidden inside a ball of toilet paper.

Officers confirmed the fob belonged to the employee by using it to start his vehicle. The affidavit also states that Osborne attempted to apologize to the employee after his arrest.

Court records show Osborne pleaded guilty May 12 in Craighead County Circuit Court to residential burglary and theft of property valued between $5,000 and $25,000.

First-appearance paperwork lists a temporary bond of $3,500 cash or surety. His bond was later fixed at $10,000 cash or surety, with the court noting his recent residential burglary conviction.

Osborne is scheduled to return to court at 8:30 a.m. Sept. 30. The new felony charge carries a possible sentence of up to six years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.