More than $250,000 worth of stolen property was recovered Wednesday during a search warrant was executed at a home in the Kittrell community, said Rutherford County Sheriff Robert Arnold.

“This is one of the largest theft rings in recent history in Rutherford County and the value of recovered property may be higher than any other recoveries in years,” Sheriff Arnold said, adding the items were stolen from surrounding counties. “Thieves who prey on people in the community are a menace to society.”

Detectives recovered skid loaders valued at about $65,000 each, farm tractors, riding lawn mowers, four-wheelers, a tiller and an air compressor. Detectives are expected to recover additional property within the next few days.

The investigation started during the summer months where detectives learned thieves allegedly stole property from Rutherford, Cannon, Wilson, Williamson and Coffee counties and stored the stolen items in Rutherford County . Detectives worked with investigators in other counties and obtained a warrant to search property at 1398 Cranor Road .

Sheriff’s detectives and the Felony Arrest Search Tactical Team served the warrant Wednesday morning and recovered the record amount of stolen property.

Detective Steve Brown charged suspect James Allen Presley, 36, of Bradyville Pike with theft over $60,000, two counts of theft between $1,000 and $10,000, and violation of probation. He is being held for Cannon and Coffee counties.

Presley allegedly loaded lawnmowers on a trailer and drove away, the sheriff said.

More property is expected to be recovered and more arrests may be made, Sheriff Arnold said.

“Our No. 1 goal is to get the property back to the citizens,” Sheriff Arnold said.

Sheriff Arnold credited the detectives from Rutherford County and surrounding counties for working together on the investigation that resulted in the recovery of the property.

“Thieves know no boundaries,” Sheriff Arnold said.

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