A 48-year-old man from Upshur County, West Virginia has been charged with grand larceny and entry into a building other than a dwelling after allegedly stealing over $18,000 from Jeanie's Hot Spot on June 22. James William Champ is being held at the North Central Regional Jail on a $100,000 cash-only bond.
According to the criminal complaint filed by Patrolman Cole Bender with the Buckhannon City Police Department, video footage shows an individual entering the front door of Jeanie's Hot Spot and disarming the alarm system before accessing the safe. The suspect is seen wearing a single glove, wrist watch, gray baseball cap, and green bandana to cover his face.
Bender was able to identify Champ as the suspect through social media photos and a previous mugshot that shows him with a matching tattoo. Additional footage from nearby businesses appears to show Champ walking in the area around the time of the theft.
A plea hearing for Champ has been scheduled for July 7 in Upshur County Magistrate Court.
**Background**
Jeanie's Hot Spot is a gambling house located in Buckhannon, West Virginia. The business was burglarized on June 22, with an estimated $18,202 stolen from the safe. Patrolman Cole Bender responded to the scene and obtained video footage that led to the identification of James William Champ as the suspect.
Champ's arrest marks a significant development in the investigation into the theft at Jeanie's Hot Spot. The case is ongoing, with a plea hearing scheduled for July 7.