Police make 1 arrest in cashbox theft; 2 suspects still being sought

May 28, 2015  


WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Darlene Scaife, who was being sought by police in connection to the May 9 theft of a cashbox from an Amazon location in Purdue University's Earhart Hall, was arrested Wednesday (May 27) in Danville, Illinois. The arrest was the result of a joint investigation by the Purdue and Danville police departments.

Donald Scaife

Donald Scaife
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While she is awaiting extradition to Indiana, Purdue University police are still searching for her father, Donald, and her brother, Donald Javon Scaife. Arrest warrants were issued on May 22 for the three in connection to the theft. The three face charges of conspiracy to commit theft, a Level 6 felony. This is punishable by six months to two-and-a-half years in prison, with an advisory sentence of one year.
Donald Javon Scaife

Donald Javon Scaife 
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Darlene Scaife was working at the Amazon site through a temporary employment agency when she reportedly complained of an upset stomach, said Purdue police detective Lt. Carrie Costello. She left her workstation, and her father then entered and took the cashbox, according to police. The father and son fled in a vehicle driven by Donald Javon Scaife. The Amazon site was set up at the residence hall for students to sell their books at the end of the semester.

Anyone with information on the two at-large suspects' whereabouts is asked to call Purdue police at 765-494-8221. The WeTip anonymous hotline, which is used by all Greater Lafayette law enforcement agencies, also is available at 1-800-78CRIME (1-800-782-7463).The fact a person has been arrested or charged with a crime is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.  

Writer: Jim Bush, 765-494-2077, jsbush@purdue.edu 

Source: Carrie Costello, 765-494-8221, ckcostello@purdue.edu 

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