NEWS RELEASE

For further information please contact: Sgt. D.S. Bracker
417-895-6767 ext.253
D2009-29
May 19, 2009

EMPHASIS: Suspects In Heavy Equipment Theft Ring Sought, News Conference 10 a.m.


After concluding a yearlong investigation, involving multiple law enforcement agencies, suspects are currently being apprehended, processed, and charged for their involvement in multiple thefts of heavy equipment.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division Of Drug and Crime Control (DDCC), in cooperation with the Missouri State Water Patrol, the Howell County Sheriff’s Department, Polk County Sheriff’s Department, and Greene County Sheriff’s Department have developed several cases regarding agricultural equipment theft. The investigation culminated with the issuance of 36 arrest warrants for seven people in three counties. The year long undercover investigation recovered, among many things, a stolen Kenworth tractor-trailer valued at $55,000; four John Deer tractors valued at $105,497, $46,223, $110,255, and $65,000; JD round bailer; a Kubota tractor, brush hog, front loader, and trailer valued at $21, 645; and a bobcat (toolcat) and trailer valued at 31,000.

The multi-agency investigation revealed several other suspects related to crimes in Southwest Missouri resulting in multiple investigations and anticipated arrests.

The suspects involved in today’s roundup will be processed at Troop D headquarters and then transported to the Greene, Polk, or Howell County sheriff’s departments for incarceration.

A 10 a.m. news conference, behind Troop D headquarters, will highlight the investigation, identify stolen equipment, and provide a photo lineup of suspects that have been apprehended and charged. Two victims of the above crimes will be present for interviews, along with representatives from the above counties.