Charges dropped against Lapeer SERVPRO employees charged with burglary in TX

Charges have been dropped against two Lapeer men who were charged with burglary after being hired to help those devastated by Hurricane Harvey.

Brandon Bonesteel, 23, and 22-year-old Richard Edwards, both of Lapeer, were charged with burglary of habitation after allegedly being caught on surveillance cameras going through items in a bedroom.

The Harris County, TX Prosecutor's office now confirms that a magistrate ruled there was no probable cause to charge either man because there was not sufficient evidence to suggest they had stolen anything.

The pair, who are both SERVPRO employees, were hired by the Texas homeowner to clean-up some of the damage after Harvey came ashore.

Kim Brooks, SERVPRO corporate communications specialist, released the following statement before news of the charges being dropped:

We are very troubled by the allegation involving the employees of a SERVPRO Franchise operator. We in no way condone these actions, which run contrary to SERVPRO's values and culture. It is our understanding the franchise operator has terminated the employment of these individuals. We will continue to investigate and follow the situation and take any other action deemed necessary or appropriate to help ensure this will not occur again in the future. The SERVPRO franchise system looks forward to continuing to assist the residents of the State of Texas in their time of need.