Man charged with burglary and arson of Mayfield Electric and Water Systems building

MAYFIELD, Ky. (KBSI) – A man is in custody in connection to the burglarizing and setting fire of the Mayfield Electric and Water Systems building.

On October 16th, 2024, The Mayfield Police Department received information about purchases being made with stolen property from the burglary. Through investigation, Hunter Mitchum Age 26 of Mayfield was identified as a suspect.

Detective Sergeant Nathan Young with Mayfield Police Department tells us how they finally tracked down Mitchum. 

“Basically, with the help of Mayfield Electric and Water we were able to determine that some banks had prepaid gift cards. They just had to double check to see if they were used after the fire.”

Young says after the gift cards were stolen and used it. It provided an electronic trail to lead the detectives right to the address of Mitchum. 

“We were able to obtain video of the subject and through that investigation we were able to obtain his name. From there we had enough information to do a search warrant for 824 Taylor Dr in Mayfield,” said Young.

Police pulling up to the home of Hunter Mitchum looking for answers and evidence all unfolded late Wednesday night. 

“There we were able to locate the subject and locate some of the evidence there inside the residence and spoke to him where he admitted to stealing the videos and setting the building on fire,” said Young.

Mitchum was tracked to a residence on Taylor Drive and officers were able to obtain and execute a search of the residence. During the search, items that were stolen from the burglary were recovered from inside the residence. Mitchum was interviewed and confessed to burglarizing the MEWS building and setting fire to it.

As far as the burnt building and bucket truck for Mayfield Electric and Water go it will take millions of dollars of repairs that Mayfield Electric and Water do not plan on any rebuilding or remodeling at this time.

Mitchum was arrested and charged with Arson 2nd degree, two counts of Theft by Unlawful Taking (auto) over $10,000, Criminal Mischief 1st degree, and 12 counts of Fraudulent Use of a Credit Card.

Mitchum was arrested and taken to the McCracken County Jail.

Bond is set at $25,000 cash only.

The investigation is ongoing.