Bond was set at $35,000 for a 35-year-old Salem man who was formally charged in Marion County Court on Friday with felony theft for having unauthorized control of property valued at more than $10,000.
Marion County Sheriff’s Deputies say Anthony Harden of North Howard Street had gone to a rural Salem home with another person to visit a third person who was there house-sitting a dog while the owners were out of town. Harden reportedly had not been invited by the house sitter. While there, he allegedly broke into a safe and took more than $10,000 in cash.
The sheriff’s department says none of the money has been recovered.
Deputies had been watching Harden’s house for him to return for a few days before seeing him arrive home on Thursday when he was taken into custody.
Harden later posted $3,500 cash bond. As part of his release on bond, he was ordered to have no contact with the victims.
If found guilty, Harden is extended-term eligible due to a felony conviction in Cumberland County.
The public defender was appointed to represent Harden.
