Rensselaer, IN – Two Rensselaer men have been charged in connection with a series of burglaries at St. Joseph’s College and a nearby Oak Street residence, according to the Rensselaer Police Department.
On September 9, 2023, officers responded to a report of a burglary at St. Joseph’s College, where a piece of equipment was removed and later found off campus. Investigators discovered that other buildings had also been broken into, though it was initially unclear what had been taken.
According to police, evidence collected at the scene was sent to the Indiana State Police laboratory, where it was linked to Kane Stokes of Rensselaer. On October 23, 2025, Stokes—already serving a sentence for a separate burglary—was brought to Jasper County from the Plainfield Correctional Facility to face new charges of burglary, a Level 4 felony, and auto theft.
Investigators later identified Gavin Hornbeck as a second suspect connected to an October 21, 2023, burglary on Oak Street. Police say items and two stolen vehicles were recovered near where the suspects lived. Laboratory results allegedly tied Hornbeck to one of the stolen vehicles. He was arrested on October 23, 2025, and booked into the Jasper County Jail on related charges.
Police stated that the St. Joseph’s College burglary remains under investigation and additional charges may follow.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
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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