CHILLICOTHE, OH — A man suspected in the theft of a vintage Nintendo 64 console from Game Smart has been formally arrested and charged, according to the Chillicothe Police Department.
Franklin Butterbaugh, who was already in custody at the Ross County Jail on unrelated charges, has now been arrested in connection with the April 28, 2025 incident involving the alleged theft of a Nintendo console valued at $89.
Surveillance footage provided by Game Smart showed Franklin and a woman identified as Kynlin Butterbaugh entering the store around 7:30 p.m. Franklin was observed removing the console from a top shelf and walking behind a display. A short time later, Kynlin approached the same area with a shoulder bag. Both exited the store without purchasing the item, which was subsequently reported missing.
Police identified the Butterbaughs based on prior interactions and visible tattoos captured in the video.
When questioned by Officer Joshua Wright at the jail, Franklin was advised of his Miranda rights, which he acknowledged and waived. However, the interaction escalated when Franklin became belligerent and physically aggressive, threatening the officer before being subdued and returned to his housing pod.
Franklin has now been formally arrested and charged with Complicity to Theft. His initial summons has been upgraded, and he remains in custody pending court proceedings.
A warrant for Theft remains active for Kynlin Butterbaugh, who has not yet been located.
