BEND, Ore. – On the heels of the recent arrests of three teen-aged boys accused of stealing from 46 unlocked vehicles in southeast Bend, police have now arrested a man and woman in a separate rash of thefts from more than 30 cars in Bend and Redmond – only this time the pair also may have broken windows to gain entry and then traded the majority of the loot for drugs. Two children were also placed into protective custody during a search of one of the suspect's home, and even more arrests are anticipated.

Jason Blaylock (left) and Nena Bednarczyk (right) – DCJ photos

According to Bend Police Lt. Ben Gregory, the latest investigation began with Jason Blaylock, 26, and Nena Bednarczyk, 18, allegedly used stolen debit cards for purchases at stores in Bend and Redmond.

Once the suspects, both Bend residents, were identified, Bend and Redmond Police detectives obtained search warrants for the suspects’ homes. Blaylock’s residence at 522 NW Colorado and Bednarczyk’s home at 2742 NE Mesa Ct. #2, were searched on April 3, Lt. Gregory said.

Stolen property was recovered during the search, and was identified as items taken from at least 25 vehicles in Bend and about six in Redmond, the lieutenant said.

Debit cards, i-pods, purses, clothing, a drum, and many other items were allegedly stolen, and a “large portion” was traded for controlled substances, he added. Police hope to begin returning some of the items to the rightful owners within the next few weeks after they are processed.

Two children, an 18-month-old boy and a three-year-old girl were taken into custody from the home of Nena Bednarczyk when they were found in deplorable living conditions and with the discovery of a small amount of methamphetamine. “Feces were found throughout the home, to include on the children’s clothes, bedding, floor, walls, and furniture,” Lt. Gregory wrote in a news release.

Blaylock and Bednarczyk were taken into custody and lodged in the Deschutes County Jail. They will face charges including ID theft, first-degree theft, child endangering, second-degree child neglect, and criminal mischief.

More information will be released as the investigation continues. “Additional arrests are expected,” the lieutenant said.