More stolen property recovered from theft ring
By Kathryn F. Pickard News Reporter

Area lawmen recovered a tractor stolen in Grove Hill in May. Pictured are Clarke County Sheriff's Department Chief Deputy Vergil Chapman, Chief Investigator Ron Baggette and Grove Hill Police Chief Leo Frazier. Photo by Kathryn F. Pickard

More equipment has been recovered during the ongoing investigation of a theft ring that spans several counties and two law enforcement officers got a good scare while bringing the stolen equipment back to Clarke County.

A Farmtrac tractor, box blades and a loader were reported stolen in May by owner Ray Jordan. The equipment, valued at $20,000, was taken from Love Road in Grove Hill.

After receiving a tip area lawmen found the equipment in Grand Bay.

Grove Hill Police Chief Leo Frazier and Officer Woodie Coates were bringing the equipment back and were caught in a tornado just north of Mobile. "Ice was hitting the truck and it sounded like somebody was shooting at it. That's the first time I've actually seen a tornado heading right at me," Frazier said.

Officers involved with the recovery of the tractor and other equipment are Chief Deputy Vergil Chapman and Chief Investigator Ron Baggette of the Clarke County Sheriff's Department, Chief Frazier and Officer Coates of Grove Hill Police Department, DA Investigator Don Lolley, Mobile County Sheriff's Department, Washington County Sheriff's Department and Chatom Police Department.

A washing machine, dryer, refrigerator, srove and fish cooker stolen out of Washington County was also recovered. The appliances were found in Gosport.

Jerwaske Mack, 20, of Frisco City was arrested last week in connection with the equipment thefts and charged with theft of property, first degree by Investigator Terry Mason of Monroe County Sheriff's Department.

"We are on the lookout for a dark blue Dodge Dakota extended cab pickup, a black Chevrolet, short wheel base pickup with chrome wheels and a white Ford, long wheel base pickup, possibly with a Monroe County or Florida license tag. If anyone has seen these vehicles they need to give us a call," said Chapman.

"We have received several calls leading to arrests and the recovery of these stolen items. We ask that anyone with information on this theft ring or these vehicles to contact us," Baggette said.

The Clarke County Sheriff's Department can be reached at 1- 251-275-8156 or 251-275-8132.

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