Rutherford County detectives recovered an additional $120,000 worth of stolen lawnmowers Thursday in Centralia, Ill., believed linked to a large theft ring dismantled Wednesday on Cranor Road, said Sheriff Robert Arnold.
A team of detectives and Felony Arrest Search Tactical Team officers recovered about $250,000 worth of stolen property after serving a search warrant Wednesday at the home in the Kittrell community. This is the largest amount of stolen property recovered during Sheriff Arnold’s term in office.
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. The investigation remains open.
During the investigation, Sheriff Arnold said Presley cooperated with detectives and notified them of a warehouse in Centralia , Ill. , where more stolen merchandise was stored.
The stolen lawnmowers were sold for $10,000 total but the lawnmowers were valued at about $12,000 each, the sheriff said. One of the lawnmowers was owned by Rutherford County Mayor Ernest Burgess.
“It’s a good day for everybody when we get to return the owners’ property,” Sheriff Arnold said, adding he expects the property to be given back during the next few days. Owners of all the property have been identified.
Rutherford County detectives worked with investigators in Cannon, Williamson, Wilson and Coffee counties to recover the property in less than 48 hours, including two skid loaders valued at $60,000 each.
“Working together, we found the thief,” Sheriff Arnold said.
Source:
Lisa Marchesoni, Public information officer -Rutherford County Sheriff's Office
