I came across this story today of an Ohio police officer accused of theft, who claims that he didn’t know the stolen items were in his basement because there was a paranormal “presence” down there. Now, the most glaring of all the many holes one can punch in this story is this: if he knew there was a ghost down in the basement, then he must have been down there at some point to feel its presence. And, presumably, long enough to see all the stolen items that somehow got into his basement.
“I swear officer, that air conditioner belongs to my friend…he asked me to hold it for him!”
MOUNT GILEAD, Ohio — A former Ohio police officer accused of theft denied being aware of stolen property in his basement, saying he avoided the room because he believed it contained a paranormal presence.
WBNS-TV reports (http://bit.ly/sIGAzR ) that Joseph Hughes faced 21 charges when items ranging from a heater and a welder to an air conditioning unit labeled “auditor” were found in his home.
Hughes told stunned prosecutors Wednesday that he was unaware of the property and there was evidence to support his claims of paranormal activity in the room.
Tom Elkin of the Morrow County Prosecutor’s Office says it was the oddest defense he’s ever heard. He says it’s the first time in almost 30 years of practicing law that he’s heard of paranormal activity during trial.
The jury found Hughes guilty of 18 charges.
I’m sure all of the local ghost hunters will be trying to contact Mr. Hughes to see if they can get in to do an investigation, but since he was found guilty, they may have to wait 3 to 5 years.
