A Delight man has been charged with breaking into a former business building and stealing, among other things, a stripper dancing pole and an anvil.
Charged with commercial burglary and theft of property is Clifton M. Pate, 20. Pate made a first appearance on the charge in Pike County Circuit Court and his bond was set for $35,000.
Pate allegedly broke into the building that once housed the Timbers private club and sometime restaurant in Murfeesboro on April 29. Police Chief Randy Lamb reported the building is owned by Loyd Woodruff, who reported the break-in. Lamb said the break-in was initially reported by Tommy Woodall based on “second-hand information.”
Several arrowhead displays cases inside the former business had been damage and their contents taken, including a long spear point that Woodruff said alone was valued at $5,000. Woodruff had already located several items outside the building and a search turned up more items.
Among the items recovered such as tools, a ceiling fan and beer signs and clocks according to Lamb, were a stripper dancing pole in a carrying case and a 60-pound anvil.
Woodruff said a restored 1958 Harley Davidson motorcycle, valued at $8,000 and belonging to Billy Dean, was also missing and is still missing. Lamb said the majority of the items taken from the building were recovered, as were items found to be taken from Tim Ashbrook’s diesel repair shop next door. The items had stashed in several places around the area.
Pate’s mother, Christy Ellis, later informed law officials that her son had confessed to her he had committed the crimes. Pate, who was located in Glenwood where he was performing community service, was interview and he admitted to the thefts. Pate also stated he was under the influence of prescription pills at the time and does not recall everything he had stolen.
