Theft Ring Suspects in Custody

Ellis County Sheriff’s Office

Theft ring suspects in custody

MEGAN GRAY

The Ellis County Press

Ellis County – Investigators with the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office have brought James Smith, 22; Jason Poer ,18;William Jacob Lane, 31; Nicholas Vaughn,20; and Arnold Moya,23; all from Red Oak into custody from the reported theft ring.

Moya was already in custody for multiple warrants and offenses.

All five suspects are being charged with Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity and Burglary of a Building with bonds totaling anywhere from $28,000 to $100,000.

Additional warrants have been issued and the arrests are pending.

The Sheriff’s Office is being assisted by the Red Oak Police Department and the Auto Theft Services Division of the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Searches in Ellis and Hill counties recovered several trailers, all-terrain vehicles, welders and saddles believed to be stolen from the area in the past several months.

In connection with information received during numerous theft and burglary offenses in the county, investigators conducted a search of residence and property in southern Dallas unearthing stolen welders, saws, electronics and other various construction equipment possibly stolen.

Search locations have recovered many missing lawn mowers, four-wheelers, etc. reported missing to ECSO and other local law enforcement agencies in the county.

The property recovery is estimated at $100,000.

Investigators with all involved agencies are working together to review all stolen items and have them returned to their rightful owners.