Suspect Allegedly Pawned Stolen Goods to Buy Heroin

A suspect in a Ferndale home invasion last month, who was arrested after police traced him through pawn shop transactions in Hazel Park and Warren, allegedly committed the crimes to support a heroin habit, police said.

Joseph K. McLain, 26, of Hazel Park, has been charged with second-degree home invasion and receiving and concealing stolen goods, The Daily Tribune reports.

McLain, who is being held in the Oakland County Jail in lieu of $15,000 bond, reportedly told police during booking that he’s addicted to heroin. His preliminary examination was Monday in Ferndale 43rd District Court.

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Ferndale police were called to a residence in the 500 block of Saratoga on Oct 30 by the homeowner, who came home to discover a cordless drill and digital camera had been stolen.

McLain previously served three years in prison for first-degree home invasion, according to Michigan Department of Corrections. He was released in 2013.

If convicted in the Ferndale home invasion, McLain could be back in prison for up to 15 years. The receiving and concealing stolen goods charge carries a maximum five-year prison sentence.