Accused Purse Thief Answers To Charges

The suspect has thrice failed to appear in court.

Regina A. Bentle. Photo by Dearborn County Sheriff's Department.

(Lawrenceburg, Ind.) - A New Albany woman is accused of stealing a purse from a bar patron at the Durbin Bowl Lounge in Lawrenceburg.

The theft occurred June 4 when surveillance video captured a woman taking off with another woman’s purse which was left unattended at the bar.

Lawrenceburg Police identified Regina A. Bentle, 46, as the suspect after she allegedly attempted to use a credit card from the stolen purse to make an online purchase on that same day, according to a probable cause affidavit.

Bentle was charged June 12 with Fraud on a Financial Institution (level 5 felony), Theft with a Prior Conviction (level 6 felony) and Theft Greater Than $750 but Less Than $50,000 (level 6 felony).

She was booked into jail at the Dearborn County Law Enforcement Center on August 2. A judge has ordered her held on a $15,000 surety bond and $2,500 cash bond, citing her extensive criminal history and three prior failures to appear in court.

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