Autographed John Prine guitar leads to burglary arrest

A Newark man is behind bars on a $50,000 bond after being arrested on two felonies earlier this month.

According to court information, Batesville Police recovered stolen property and seized digital evidence in a residential burglary investigation that began last month when homeowners on Broad Street discovered their house had been burglarized May 10 after returning from a week-long vacation.

Stolen items included a PlayStation 5, flat-screen televisions, a guitar autographed by musician John Prine, an HP laptop, and personal items belonging to a juvenile. The estimated value exceeded $1,000.

On May 26, an individual returned the autographed guitar after unknowingly purchasing it from Tristan Dakota Ring, 21, police said.

An investigation revealed social media photos allegedly showing Ring wearing some of the stolen items and screenshots of online conversations where he appeared to be selling a PlayStation 5 and other electronics.

According to Ring’s arrest affidavit, he admitted during a May 27 interview to possessing some stolen property but denied involvement in the burglary, claiming he received items through a third party. After authorities seized his phone and obtained a search warrant, the affidavit noted phone data revealed photos of stolen items, deleted text messages referencing the burglary, and attempts to sell the goods, according to police.

Ring is charged with one count of residential burglary and one count of theft of property — both felonies. He is currently incarcerated at the Independence County Jail.

Above: Tristan Dakota Ring / Independence County Jail