Hello,

Roughly 5 years ago a couple of items came up missing from my grandmother's barn, a battery charger, couple of tools, etc. I didn't report it to the police because I honestly didn't think they would turn up again. Recently an acquaintance mentioned that some time ago he thought a kid told him about some stuff he stole from my grandmothers. Well he gave me the kid's name and I found out the kid would've been a juvenile (minor) at the time. Can I still prosecute this kid? I'm not sure because:

I didn't report the crime to the police at the time

It happened about 5 years ago (statue of limitations?)

All the evidence I have is the acquaintance's word

The kid would've been 14, 15, or 16 at the time

If nothing can be done criminally any chance I can bring up a civil case on him? Thanks everyone.

IntroducingEmy

The statute of limitations on theft seems to range from 3 to 8 years depending on what state your in. Now whether this applies to both minors and adults, I'm not sure.

Either way your information is hearsay and the items he stole are probably long gone. Unless you have some kind of tangible proof (photos, the items in question, etc.) and are able to locate the person you probably won't have much of a case. I'd say count your losses and move on.

Gaspari

Well what's the statue of limitations timeframe in Indiana for burglary and theft? I was planning on calling the police and giving them all the info to at least see what they say about it since the kid still lives in the area, but if the SOL's already up then I don't want to waste anyone's time.

ScottGem

You would be wasitng time anyway since you have no proof