Police Uncover Multi-County Theft Operation

Local and federal authorities are investigating a large theft operation that spanned multiple counties and states.

The McCracken County Sheriff's Department said deputies have been investigating several recent thefts from storage units, barns and trailers. McCracken deputies contacted the Massac County Sheriff's Office, who served a search warrant at a home and seized a large amount of stolen property, including an excavator and other heavy equipment.

McCracken deputies executed another search at a storage unit, seizing more stolen items. Detectives also seized a large amount of additional property that is suspected to be stolen including antique glassware, antique lamps, an antique stoplight, multiple propane heaters, hand and power tools, a typewriter, a collection of hand painted lead soldiers, stage lighting, a 4-wheeler, and more.

Investigator Jori DeNeve with the Massac Sheriff's Office said two suspects are currently in custody on unrelated charges, and more charges and arrests are expected in the case.

She said evidence found at the scene suggests the thefts most likely drug related. She added that detectives have been surprised by the sheer scope of the operation, which reportedly involves thefts in multiple counties in Illinois and Kentucky.

"This case turned out to be huge, and I did not expect this at all," DeNeve said.

DeNeve said FBI investigators have also been looking into the case, and more information will be released soon.

Anyone who has had property stolen from them recently is asked to call Massac or McCracken deputies at 618-524-2912 or 270-444-4719 for assistance in identifying any property.