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Daytime robbers arrested after several bold crimes

Friday, October 23, 2009

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Matt Franklin
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MID-MICHIGAN (WJRT) -- (10/23/09) -- Police have arrested a Detroit-area couple accused of breaking into homes in at least three Mid-Michigan communities.

Michigan State Police investigators say the suspects are a husband and wife duo that allegedly robbed houses during the day. Since early this month investigators believe the two burglarized homes in Lapeer County -- mainly Metamora, Hadley, and Lapeer townships.

On the outside, Steve and Elisabeth Schell were almost like a typical family. The Clarkston couple would leave in the morning, and drop their child off at daycare. But for the couple, work meant breaking into homes.

Detectives believe Steven and Elisabeth Schell stole cash, cameras, jewelry and even a firearm among other things from nearly 20 homes in the past few weeks. Investigators say the two would work between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m., traveling from northern Oakland County to Lapeer County to commit the crimes.

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With a witness description, Michigan State Police arrested the two after investigators say they blew through a stop sign in Oxford Township Thursday afternoon. Numerous stolen items and pawn slips were found in the vehicle, and even more were found at the couple's Clarkston home.

"We have a lot of property that has not been identified by the rightful owners," said Lt. Pat McGreevy.

Nancy Mutch and her family went to the police department to try and recover their valuables. They had their Lapeer Township home broken into three weeks ago.

"It's just kind of a violated feeling," said Pete Mutch. "It's just different until it really happens to you."

Nancy Mutch did not find several pieces of jewelry near to her heart, but at least now with an arrest, she has some peace of mind.

"I would never have dreamt living in Lapeer County that I was going to feel this way," she said. "I can sleep tonight and not worry so much about where they're at or who they are hurting next."

The couple was in court Friday on several charges, including home invasion. Because Steven Schell is a repeat offender, he's in the custody of the Department of Corrections. This is fourth offense, so if convicted, he could spend up to life in prison.

His wife is out on bond and their child is in the custody of the Department of Human Services.