GALLIPOLIS — A Gallipolis man alleged to have broken into a local business early last month, was arraigned this week on a breaking and entering charge.

Richard Blackford, 30, Gallipolis, pleaded not guilty to breaking and entering in the Common Pleas Court of Gallia County on Tuesday — a charge stemming from the November 3 break-in at Jividen’s Customs in downtown Gallipolis.

Blackford was arrested on November 8 following an investigation into the incident.

According to an official with the Gallipolis Police Department, the arrest came after officers received a warrant to search the suspect’s vehicle.

The investigation into the break-in began after a Gallipolis police officer was dispatched to the business located at 340 Second Avenue on Saturday, November 3. The officer was called to the scene shortly after 11 a.m. at the store in reference to a breaking and entering.

The store owner reported to the officer that she left the business at approximately 9 p.m. on Friday, November 2, and, after returning to work at approximately 11 a.m., she discovered that the back door of the store had been pried open.

According to the police report, items stolen from the clothing boutique include a Gateway laptop computer, an iPhone, a Verizon wireless router and $1,200 in cash. The report further indicates that the break-in occurred during the early morning hours of November 3.

This case was originally filed with the Gallipolis Municipal Court, and a preliminary hearing was set for November 14. However, a motion to dismiss was later filed by the state, and the case was taken directly to grand jury.

An indictment was later filed in this case, and Blackford was set for an arraignment before Common Pleas Judge D. Dean Evans.

During Tuesday’s hearing, Blackford was charged with one count of breaking and entering, a fifth degree felony. His bond was set at $5,000, 10 percent, with an additional bond of $1,500, 10 percent, secured.

A jury trial in this case has been scheduled for February 5, 2013.