The Vidette

Multiple arrests were made last week following an investigation of the theft of more than $40,000 of farm equipment.

The investigation began on Sept. 23, when a Montesano resident reported the theft of a Kubota backhoe, a John Deere tractor, a Pace 20-foot enclosed cargo trailer, a John Deere Gator ORV, various implements for the tractor, along with tools and household items. The theft happened at a residence on Minkler Road.

The home had been unoccupied at the time of the theft.

On Oct. 19, Grays Harbor County Sheriff’s deputies and detectives, along with Drug Task Force detectives executed a search warrant at a residence on Tornow Drive.

During the search, the stolen ORV, 13 firearms, suspected illegal drugs and some $750 in cash was located. Deputies also found a Stihl line cut-off saw believed to be stolen from the City of Westport water department earlier this year.

A 34-year-old man and his 27-year-old girlfriend were arrested. Both were convicted felons and not allowed to be in possession of firearms.

The man had an “extensive criminal history,” according to a Grays Harbor County Sheriff’s Office press release. He was booked into the county jail for trafficking stolen property, possession of stolen property and violation of the Uniformed Controlled Substances Act — possession with intent to deliver. The woman was booked on the same charges.

Additional suspects include two male transients in Aberdeen, 27 and 33 years old, a 31-year-old Aberdeen man, a 48-year-old Hoquiam man, a 26-year-old Aberdeen man, and another 31-year-old Aberdeen man. Charges were recommended ranging from trafficking in stolen property to theft and possession of stolen property.

Not all of the individuals were involved in the initial theft at Minkler Road. However, the subjects were involved with the sale/trade of stolen property to acquire illegal drugs.