Three Arrested in Connection with Theft of Railroad Property
Posted/updated on: November 30, 2012 at 4:37 pm
RUSK — Three people have been jailed for alleged railroad property theft in Cherokee County. On Wednesday at approximately 1:45 p.m., Game Warden Brian Bearden contacted the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office and requested assistance on CR 4807 with some individuals who were allegedly stealing the material. Officer Bearden had been investigating an earlier call in the area when he observed three people walking down the railroad tracks pulling a home-made cart that ran on the rails of the track. Bearden said when he called out to them, they removed some items from the cart and placed them in the woods.
According to authorities, Officer Bearden was able to detain one of the suspects but the other two fled from the scene. Bearden learned that the suspects had allegedly been removing railroad spikes and “hooks” from the railroad bed and selling them as scrap iron. Officer Bearden was also able to ascertain the identity and possible location of the two suspects who allegedly fled.
When Deputy McNeely arrived on scene, he was briefed on the situation. He and Bearden traveled to a residence in the 2900 Block of Highway 177 in the Mixon community. The remaining suspects were arrested at that location without incident. All three were transported to the Cherokee County Jail. Authorities say the stolen spikes and hooks and the home-made cart were brought to the Sheriff’s Office as evidence. According to officials, the property that belongs to the railroad will be counted, photographed, and released back to the railroad. The cart will remain with the Sheriff’s Office as evidence.
The suspects, all from the Troup/Mixon area, are named as Lance Lee Adams, 22 (pictured); Briana Michelle Hale, 18; and Dustin Scott Massey, 24. All three were charged with engaging in organized criminal activity and interference with railroad property. Each charge carries a $2,000 bond for each suspect. Authorities say there may be more charges filed if there is more damage to the railroad than was known at the time of the arrests.
