A 53-year-old Marshall woman has been formally charged with felonies for the alleged arson which occurred at the Lighthouse Shelter Thrift Store in Marshall on May 23.
According to a probable-cause statement, video surveillance from the store shows Tammy Jo Leonhardt use a hammer to access a cash register and take $92, and then leave the scene. Leonhardt was identified by a large tattoo on her left leg.
During the investigation, Leonhardt reportedly admitted to stealing the money and returning to the business shortly after to attempt to destroy the surveillance cameras with the hammer. She added that she couldn’t disable the cameras, so she reportedly started a fire inside a closet to “hide what (she) had done”.
Online court documents say Leonhardt has been charged with Class D Felonies for Second-Degree Arson and Burglary, as well as misdemeanors for stealing and property damage. A cash-only bond has been set at $7,500.
Leonhardt’s arraignment hearing is scheduled for 9 a.m. on Wednesday, May 30, at Saline County Circuit Court.