Racine County, WI – A pair from Columbus, Ohio, has been arrested in connection with multiple vehicle thefts and fraudulent credit card use in Union Grove and Mount Pleasant, authorities announced this week.
According to the Racine County Sheriff’s Office, deputies first responded to a theft report on September 21, 2025, after a purse was stolen from a vehicle on 67th Drive in Union Grove. Investigators later linked the case to a second theft on September 24 involving another stolen purse on 57th Drive. Credit cards taken in both incidents were allegedly used at local businesses.
Video footage and license plate reader technology helped deputies identify a white Mazda 6 tied to the thefts. Investigators connected the vehicle to 37-year-old Erica L. Mcelfresh and 42-year-old Jacob D. Brofford, both of Columbus, Ohio. Deputies noted that Brofford has a prior history of breaking into vehicles.
On September 25, deputies located the suspect vehicle at a Mount Pleasant hotel, where Mcelfresh was arrested for allegedly obstructing investigators. A search involving a K9 unit uncovered one victim’s purse, clothing, and drug paraphernalia. Brofford was later found in the hotel and taken into custody.
Prosecutors have charged Brofford with multiple counts, including theft, fraudulent use of a credit card, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Mcelfresh faces charges of obstruction and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Brofford remains in custody at Racine County Jail on a $5,000 bond. Investigators are continuing to examine whether the pair is tied to other break-ins across the area.
Sheriff Christopher Schmaling praised deputies and investigators for their use of technology and teamwork in solving the case.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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