Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter Subscribe PHILADELPHIA, May 7 (UPI) -- Authorities in Philadelphia said they arrested a homeless man accused of stealing a pair of stenography machines from the City Council chambers. Police said Rica Hughes, 38, was photographed by security cameras entering the Council chambers at 8:08 a.m. EDT Tuesday, and while inside the building he allegedly stole two gray Stenographer Elan Mira Machines, each valued at about $5,000, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported Friday. Advertisement Anne Kelly King, chief accounting officer for the City Council, said Hughes took the machines to a social worker and kept one of the cases to use as a suitcase. Police said Hughes was arrested Wednesday night and the machines were returned to the City Council stenographers. Hughes was charged with misdemeanor counts of burglary and criminal trespass in addition to felony theft-related charges. Police said he remained in custody Thursday. City officials said the machines will now be locked in a supply closet when not in use.
