It’s a question many people have asked at one time or another: Is it worth the risk to help someone who says they have nowhere else to go?
That question is now being debated again after a Lawrence County man told deputies that a person he tried to help allegedly returned and stole thousands of dollars’ worth of belongings from his home.
Deputies were dispatched to investigate a reported theft after the homeowner returned to his residence and discovered the front door had been forced open and multiple valuables were missing.
A Favor That May Have Gone Wrong
The man told deputies he had allowed another man to stay at his residence temporarily because he didn’t have a place to live.
But the arrangement didn’t last long.
According to the report, the homeowner later asked the man to leave because he and his girlfriend were in the process of moving out and relocating to his mother’s home.
For about a week, they didn’t hear from the former guest.
Then when the couple returned to the residence, they found the front door forced open.
Electronics, Cash and Tools Missing
The homeowner told deputies a number of items had been taken, including:
- A camera
- A ring light
- A pair of Air Jordans
- Two PlayStation 4 consoles
- An Xbox 360
- A car jack
- Various tools
- A DeWalt impact driver
- About $500 in cash
He told deputies he has receipts and proof of ownership for the items and believes he also has evidence showing who took them, though he was unable to provide it immediately due to lack of phone service.
A Possible Clue Left Behind
While investigating, deputies located a nail file near the front door, which the homeowner believes may have been used to force entry into the house.
Deputies photographed the scene and collected the item as potential evidence.
A Complicated Situation
Deputies noted the case may not be entirely straightforward because the suspect had previously been allowed to stay at the residence, which could mean he had established residency at the home.
That distinction can complicate cases involving former guests or roommates.
The report will now be forwarded to investigators for further review.
The Bigger Question
Stories like this often spark debate in communities across Southern Ohio.
Most people want to help someone down on their luck, especially a friend or acquaintance who says they have nowhere else to go.
But situations like this raise a difficult question:
Is it worth the risk to open your home — or can a good deed sometimes turn into a costly mistake?