Theft Ring Busted

TYLER – As the result of the work of ten area law enforcement agencies, nine persons are in custody and a multi county theft ring has been busted. KETK-TV reports it started June 7th with a Lindale man reporting the theft of a 4-wheeler. The investigation led to two young men. After interviewing them, it led to the arrest of the man who is accused of being the ringleader of this group, Johnny Michael Moore, Jr., 39, of Grand Saline, who is pictured here. That led to the investigation of more thefts.

According to Constable Dennis Taylor, “Once we arrested Johnny Moore, it just kind of broke open.” Officers continued looking into more thefts. The investigation led to nine arrests. One suspect is still at large.

Officers from five counties were involved and over $100,000 worth of merchandise has been recovered. Most of it farm and ranch equipment, tools and vehicles like ATV’s and golf carts. According to Constable Taylor, “45 cases, $100,000 in property that people would not have gotten back. I just know that in my 31 years, this is the best cooperation between departments that I’ve ever seen.”

The root cause of the problems was said to have been methamphetamines. All of the suspects arrested were said to have been meth users. And Moore, the ring leader, is accused of selling methamphetamines.