Three juveniles arrested for theft
A joint, weeklong investigation conducted by the Clay County and Owen County Sheriff's Departments ended Tuesday with the arrests of three juveniles.
On Tuesday, CCSD Sheriff Mike Heaton told The Brazil Times his department, along with OCSD, had recovered five All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) in addition to a golf cart Monday in the Poland area.
"This has been going on for about a week," Heaton said.
According to Heaton, one vehicle had been reported stolen Monday morning. CCSD Dep. Jamie Switzer investigated the report and -- in the process -- found one of the other stolen vehicles.
Heaton said another of the alleged stolen vehicles was reportedly found by Putnam County officials. He said the vehicle had been wrecked.
The investigation concluded three juveniles had taken the ATVs and a golf cart from the Boy Scout Camp in rural Clay County. Heaton said three of the ATVs were allegedly stolen from Clay County residents.
The other two vehicles were owned by Owen County residents.
"Apparently, (the juveniles) were stealing them and going out and joyriding," Heaton said.
The three juveniles, ages 17, 16 and 14, all lived in Owen County and two of the three were detained by the Owen County Sheriff's Department.
According to Heaton, the case is still under investigation by both departments and reports will be given to both Clay and Owen County prosecutors for charges of theft and burglary as well as criminal mischief.
Heaton said the vehicles were in the process of being returned to their owners.