Alleged burglar to victim: ‘Thanks for keeping me warm’

Jason Christopher Duke was arrested on charges of burglary and theft by taking.

Jason Christopher Duke was arrested on charges of burglary and theft by taking.

A woman had fallen asleep while watching television in her recliner in the living room. She woke up about 11:15 p.m. to find a man standing behind her chair.

He appeared to be eating some food from her kitchen.

When she asked him who he was, the man said his name was Jason, according to a Fayette County sheriff’s incident report.

When she told Jason to leave, he said, "Thanks for keeping me warm," and he walked out, according to the report.

That happened Jan. 25. Six days later, Jason Christopher Duke was arrested on charges of burglary and theft by taking, according to sheriff’s records.

Right after the man left the house on Highway 92 South, the resident locked the door, walked around the house and saw that all the lights were on. Then she looked out and saw that her car, a Ford Edge, was missing from the garage, deputies said. She then called 911.

Authorities noticed that an exterior door was forced open, apparently by a shovel found outside.

The victim said $65 was taken from her wallet, and a cordless phone was missing.

Also, the intruder ate peanuts and snack cakes, according to deputies.

A pair of muddy slippers that didn’t belong to the victim were found in the house.

The car was recovered Jan. 29, according to the Fayette County Citizen.

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