Party-Goer Allegedly Steals Priceless Guitar From Bob Seger

By Christy Strawser
CBS Detroit Managing Editor
WATERFORD TWP. (CBS Detroit) -- A young man who attended a party at Bob Seger's house -- thrown by his 16-year-old daughter -- allegedly stole from the rock n' roll hall of famer.

Andrew D. Thompson, 20, of Waterford Township, was arrested and charged Tuesday with stealing cash and items including sneakers autographed by Shaquille O'Neal and a Rolex watch. Thompson was charged in 48th District Court with larceny from a building, a four-year felony. He was released on bond.

The biggest loss from the party was a 1978 Gibson Les Paul guitar featured on Seger's "Greatest Hits" CD. The guitar reportedly turned back up on the family's dock after the theft, though Thompson denies he took it. Police said he admits snatching the other items.

"It mysteriously showed up right after I talked to him, but he denied he took it," Orchard Lake Detective Darrell Betts said. "That was my main goal, getting that guitar back ... It's priceless."

Complicating the case is the fact Thompson is a longtime, trusted family friend, Betts said.

"They trusted this kid," Betts said, adding the party was just a small affair and it was approved by the Seger parents. Betts believes Thompson broke back in through an unlocked door wall after the party was over.

The Segers were in the process of moving when the party happened, police said, and after the burglary became apparent officers started calling party attendees. Thompson turned himself in, police said.

As for the Les Paul, it's currently in a police storage locker, awaiting the prosecutor's order that it's safe to return. "I hope he (Seger) locks it up when it's returned," Betts said.