The crime happened early Tuesday morning around 6:00 a.m. Smith Jewelers had $10,000 to $20,000 worth of inventory stolen, according to the owner Scott Stevens.
A fire did not damage the building's structure, but destroyed the inside of the store and caused smoke damage to ten other downtown businesses.
Police used other downtown businesses' security cameras and a tip from another jeweler who claimed Rhodus tried to sell him jewelry Tuesday afternoon to find Rhodus, Bellefontaine Police Chief Brandon Standley said.
Police say Rhodus confessed to possessing stolen items from the jewelry store.
"This case is a great example of teamwork with community members, law enforcement, and the fire department," Standley said. "It is clear that Mr. Rhodus' actions caused great loss to Smith Jewelers and we are fortunate to have this type of cooperation from our community to not only find some of the stolen items, but also bring him to justice."
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