On April 18th, 2025, an out-of-state developer reported to the Kokomo Police Department that he was a victim of fraud related to the property and structure.

The developer stated in late 2023, had hired a person to renovate and repair the structure at 1435 South Armstrong Street. An agreement was also made with the person to convert the structure, a previous church, into apartments.

Over the course of 2024, the developer learned that work he had paid the person to complete had not been performed. The developer also later learned that a large number of individuals were now living in the structure and were found to be paying rent to the person, but the money was not being sent to the developer.

The developer reported a financial loss of over $300,00.

Investigators submitted a probable cause affidavit. On June 4th, 2025, a warrant was issued for 41-year-old John Barry Centers (Logansport, IN) for Theft over $50,000, a Level 5 Felony. On June 20th, 2025, Centers was booked into the Howard County Criminal Justice Center for the active warrant.

At this time, investigators are seeking to talk to individuals who resided at 1435 S. Armstrong Street in late 2023 through early 2025. Please contact Detective Drew J. Wallsmith at (765) 456-7388 or via email at dwallsmith@cityofkokomo.org. Information can also be given via the Kokomo Police Department Hotline at (765) 456-7017. You may qualify for a cash reward by calling Central Indiana Crime Stoppers at 1-800-262-TIPS with your anonymous tip. Tips can also be submitted by utilizing the Tip411 app, or you can always report tips anonymously by downloading the "Kokomo PD" mobile app from the iOS or Google Play stores. You can also text a tip to us by texting TIPKPD, then a space, then your tip, and send it to 847411.

All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.