Rochester Hills

Couple charged with car break-ins at churches, funeral homes

By Linda Shepard
C & G Staff Writer

ROCHESTER HILLS — A man and woman have been charged with multiple felonies in connection with dozens of local car break-ins and the subsequent use of stolen credit cards.

According to Lt. Ray White of the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office’s Rochester Hills substation, the majority of the break-ins took place in the parking lots of funeral homes, churches and restaurants since the middle of last November. Some of the car break-ins occurred while funeral services were being held.

“It’s pretty sad,” White said. “People are grieving their loves ones and their cars are being broken into.” Phones, computers, credit cards and cash were among the items taken.

Rochester Hills police arrested the couple Jan. 31 at a house on Squirrel Road in Auburn Hills, acting on a tip. Both the man and woman were recognized from video surveillance taken where some of the stolen credit cards were used.

Rochester Hills police searched the home and recovered property stolen from cars in Rochester Hills at St. Paul’s Albanian Catholic Church on Auburn Road, Alex’s of Rochester restaurant on Rochester Road and Gold Star Family Restaurant on Rochester Road.

Property recovered from the Squirrel Road home was also disconnected to car break-ins in Washington Township and Macomb Township, White said.

Robert Oxendine, 49, and Ashley Brooks, 26, were arraigned at the 52-3 District Court in Rochester Hills before Magistrate Nick Camargo, appearing without attorneys. Oxendine was charged with five felony counts of breaking into a vehicle. Brooks was charged with three counts of felony stealing and retaining a financial transaction device.

Police believe Oxendine broke into the cars and the couple used the stolen credit cards to purchase personal items at multiple locations, White said. White Lake police have also charged Oxendine with five crimes.

Police remind all residents to lock their cars and to not leave valuables like purses, computers, cellphones and cameras in plain sight inside cars.

You can reach C & G Staff Writer Linda Shepard at lshepard@candgnews.com or at (586)498-1065.