Dade Co. investigators make arrest in stolen property case

KY3 News got access to the rural compound where the items were found.

April 26, 2012|by Emily Wood, KY3 News | ewood@ky3.com

GREENFIELD, Mo. -- Dade County sheriff's deputies picked up one of the people who they say was involved in a massive drug and theft ring that criss-crosses the state. The sheriff said another man, believed to be the ring leader, is still on the run.

Investigators spent Wednesday in their third day of sorting through tens of thousands of dollars worth of stolen property. Sheriff Steven Stapp said the man, who owns the rural 40-acre property near Greenfield, stashed stolen construction tools, farm equipment, and even vehicles on his property.

"To make it as simple as I can, it's just a thief's way of getting dope," said Stapp.

Stapp said his team recovered items stolen from homes, businesses, and storage units. He said the thieves pawned as much as they could.

"They can trade those for methamphetamine or whatever their drug of choice is," Stapp said.

The sheriff said deputies picked up Charles Paquin on drug charges. The sheriff said Paquin was a caretaker, of sorts, for the property where the stolen merchandise was found.

"This was the dead giveaway tire right here, because it was specially ordered for a 1966 Nova," said business owner Tom Clair, who deputies said is one of the victims.

Deputies recovered several stolen tires and propane tanks stolen from Clair's business in Ash Grove.

"Getting it back helps a lot, because we already had it paid for. This is a big relief," Clair said.

Another important piece of the investigation is a massive building being constructed on the property where the stolen items were found. Investigators said they want to know where the money came from that was used to pay suppliers and building companies involved. They said that could provide some important clues in the drug investigation.

"If you're building a home, you're going to have records, and it shows income as to how you're being able to pay for those type of materials," Stapp said.

Stapp said the building being constructed has more than a dozen bedrooms with the floor plan being similar to a hotel. Investigators, though, are not sure what the landowner planned for the building.

"The property owner is not being real cooperative with law enforcement," Stapp said.

For now, investigators will keep working to contact the victims from multiple counties.

"On the larger items, we ran a VIN on them, and whenever we do get a positive response for stolen, we're going ahead and contacting the owners," Stapp said.

Authorities said the recovered items were stolen over a two-year period.

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