Two Palmyra residents arrested for burglaries, identity theft

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by Mark Cheffey

Two Palmyra residents were taken into custody last Tuesday in connection with a series of burglaries and identity thefts in the area.

Palmyra Police Chief Eddie Bogue said the man and woman were arrested Thursday morning following the execution of a search warrant at 625 W. Main Cross.

The two were taken to the Marion County jail and put on 24-hour hold but were later released pending the filing of charges.

Arrested were Nikolas Bennett, 33, and Tanya Bueno, 33, both of Palmyra.

Bennett was released to the Clark County, Mo. Sheriffs Department on a warrant, and could face additional charges pending in Marion County resulting from a Palmyra Police Department investigation.

“We are still gathering information that may further help in the prosecution,” Bogue said.

Bueno was released pending charges being filed by the Marion County prosecutor.

The police department and East Central Narcotics Task Force executed a search warrant where Bennett and Bueno were taken into custody.

Bogue said the investigation that precipitated the search warrant was based on information gathered by his department, over

the course of several weeks.  

The suspects were in possession of items stemming from burglaries and identity thefts from multiple jurisdictions. 

During the search officers located items that were taken in burglaries in Palmyra and Quincy Ill. Officers also located methamphetamine and a handgun inside the residence.

Bogue said one of the charges submitted to the Marion County prosecutor was connected with a recent burglary at Palmyra Middle School.  

“We felt we had enough probable cause to deem him a suspect,” Bogue said. “The prosecutor will be the one to make the final decision and file formal charges, which he has not done yet. 

“Bennett is now being held in Clark County on burglary charges, and I understand Adams County (Ill.) also has burglary charges pending on him.”

Bogue said the identity theft and forgery go “hand in hand“ as Bennett allegedly attempted to open up accounts using other people’s information to have monetary gain.  

“The victims did not suffer any monetary loss, but the fact remains the identity was stolen to make application,” Bogue said.

“The meth and handgun were new items discovered as a result of the search,” Bogue said. “Both suspects were felons and possessed a firearm.”

Division of Family Services was called for two minor children who were in the house. The children were released to a family friend pending a DFS investigation.