Four Arrested In Tool Theft Probe
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WATER VALLEY – Four people have been arrested in connection with an ongoing investigation launched last month after tools valued at an estimated $100,000 were stolen from a shop on Stephens Street.
Water Valley Police Chief Jason Mangrum reported Ryan Hollinger, 24, of Water Valley was arrested on Feb. 8, the day the theft was reported, and charged with grand larceny. Alex Martin, 25, Trevor Baker, 25, and Justin Heath Williamson, 23, all of Water Valley were arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit grand larceny.
“This is a very active investigation and we expect at least two more arrests,” Mangrum added.
The chief reported that tools ranging from Snap On and Craftsman hand tools to larger contractor tools were stolen from the shed over an estimated two-week period.
“This included welders, plasmas cutters and even a four-wheeler,” Mangrum said. “
The police department has recovered an estimated 15 percent of the stolen item and the search continues for more.
“If you have purchased a very expensive tool cheap like a $700 set of Snap On wrenches for $20, chances are they are part of this investigation,” Mangrum noted.
Mangrum said the thefts are drug related.
“This is a drug-problem stealing case,” the chief said.
The chief also extended gratitude to other agencies offering assistance in the investigation including the Yalobusha County Sheriff’s Department, Lafayette County Sheriff’s Department and Lafayette County Metro Narcotics.
“This investigation has consumed a lot of hours, we have worked on it almost every day for over a month,” Mangrum said.
If you have information about the stolen tools, contact the police department’s non-emergency number at (662) 473-2722.
• Other activity reported by the chief includes:
William Corey Hopper, 34, of Water Valley was arrested on March 10 and charged with one count of fondling (gratification of lust). Mangrum reported the arrest followed an investigation that was launched on Feb. 14 after officers received information about the alleged incident on Kimmons Street involving a 11 year-old victim. Child Protective Services assisted in the investigation and conducted a forensic interview.
“We also worked long hours on this case. Sometimes the investigative side of these cases drag out more than any of us want, but it is essential to make sure it is done right. In any case, it takes time to build leads, track people down and talk to them,” Mangrum added.
Hopper was booked in the county jail and posted bond.
• Darion Reed, 30, of Water Valley was arrested on an outstanding bench warrant for failing to show up in municipal court on March 10. He was booked in the county jail and posted bond.
• Justan Liner, 32, of Southaven was arrested during a traffic stop for no license tag on March 8. Officers learned that Liner had an arrest warrant issued by the City of Hernando for skipping court. Liner was transported to the county jail and officers from Hernando picked him up.
• Cynthia Gooch, 38, of Water Valley was arrested for trespassing and possession of drug paraphernalia on March 4. The arrest was made at the Valley Motel and Mangrum said Gooch had been told by the owners to stay off the premises.
“She went to jail the day after she got out of jail,” the chief added.
• James Pomlee, 74, of Water Valley was arrested on March 2 for possession of a controlled substance.
Mangrum reported an officer encountered a black Cadillac driving on the wrong side of the road at 5:30 a.m. The officer attempted a traffic stop but the vehicle kept going before finally stopping on County Road 224. The officer approached the vehicle and detected the odor of an intoxicating beverage and observed a pill and drug paraphernalia in plain view. During the investigation, the officer also found alleged crack cocaine in Pomlee’s possession.
“He threatened officers with his walking cane,” Mangrum added.
Pomlee was booked on traffic offenses and the drug charge and later bonded out. He has multiple prior felony convictions.
