By Barry Porterfield
A single fingerprint left at the scene of an Elmore City area burglary several weeks ago was enough for authorities to eventually track down a suspect and get a criminal charge filed.
The actual burglary occurred back in early November, but Brian Keith Nesmith, 36, of Ardmore is now facing the formal theft allegation filed this week in Garvin County District Court.
Nesmith is accused of breaking into a rural residence southeast of Elmore City near the Katie area and getting away with a long list of items inside.
It was a fingerprint left on a glass window, believed to be the thief’s point of entry into the house, that ultimately pointed to Nesmith as the individual responsible for what prosecutors classify as a second-degree burglary.
A filed affidavit shows the resident noticed a problem as soon as they arrived home on Nov. 6
The interior was in disarray as it appeared someone had forced their way before ransacking the place.
After county deputies arrived at the scene they found overturned boxes and furniture drawers left open as it was clear the residence had been the site of a theft.
Various items such as electronic equipment were found to be missing from the house.
Deputies then found evidence that someone had initially attempted to force their way in through the front door.
That apparently didn’t work as a living room window was found cracked open.
On both the inside and outside of the glass were several fingerprints, which officers lifted before sending on to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation for further analysis.
It would be a few weeks before it was learned the OSBI’s Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) had concluded the print of a right thumb belonged to Nesmith.
With that information in hand deputies concluded Nesmith had allegedly gained entry by removing a screen and climbing through the window.
Ardmore police officials later claimed Nesmith had sold several DVD’s and movies at a store there that were consistent with those of the missing items from the residence here.
A security video from an Ardmore store reportedly shows Nesmith walking in carrying a cardboard box with DVD’s inside. He received $134.50 for the sale of 52 DVD’s at the store, according to the affidavit.
“The video clearly shows Brian Keith Nesmith entering their establishment with the sole purpose of selling stolen property,” stated Garvin County Sgt. Jim Mullett in the affidavit.
That information led to the charge against Nesmith, who was arraigned in court Monday. He was released after posting a $10,000 bond, which was set after state prosecutors requested the total be $40,000.
