Press Release: Information written and provided by Deputy Danie Huffman, Public Information Officer, Parker County Sheriff’s Office
Parker County Sheriff’s Criminal Investigations Division and Patrol deputies arrested four suspects in collaboration with the Tarrant Regional Auto Crimes Task Force, Springtown and Reno Police and conducted four search warrants relating to a theft ring.
Parker County Sheriff Russ Authier said several suspects have been arrested on theft of property and narcotics charges after the investigation led to the search warrants of two storage units at a facility in the 2000-Block of East Highway 199 in Springtown, a second storage unit in the 100-Block of Adalida Lane also in Springtown, and a van used in the commission of thefts.
The owners of one of the facilities confirmed suspicious activity by several unit renters who were bringing trailers, furniture and motorcycles in and out of the secured facility from midnight to 5 a.m.
Investigators conducted surveillance discovering several individuals had rented units within the facility, storing stolen property from burglaries and thefts committed within Parker County. Sheriff’s investigators conducted interviews of the suspects who admitted their involvement in the thefts and burglaries.
Sheriff’s Patrol deputies conducted a traffic stop on a Honda Odyssey van Tuesday evening, locating several additional items inside the van which had also been recently reported stolen including a television with an attached wall mount. Sheriff’s deputies and investigators connected the TV to an RV theft reported earlier this week. The victim reported the suspects had entered the RV and ripped the TV and mount from the wall, leaving the RV in disarray. The driver who was identified as Lacey Lyn Barton, 25, of Springtown, was tied to the thefts. Sheriff’s investigators connected Barton to the theft ring through their investigation, which also led them to the other suspects involved.
Three additional suspects who were arrested at the storage facility were identified as Elijah Zain Franklin, 21, of Springtown; Andrew Scott Robertson, 32, of Weatherford; and Haleigh Breighann Baker, 25, of Azle.
Images provided by the Parker County Sheriff’s Office & Enhanced by Jonny Goodday
Four search warrants were executed Thursday afternoon on the van and at three storage units. Investigators seized stolen property including power tools, furniture, electronics, tents, a pool table, a grandfather clock, located inside the units, and confirmed all items were recently reported stolen. Two trailers and two motorcycles were recovered Monday evening during the initial investigation.
Franklin told investigators he stole a motorcycle and trailer along with Baker and Robertson then brought it to the storage facility. He later admitted their involvement in the other stolen motorcycle and trailer along with numerous other stolen items.
Franklin was arrested and charged with three counts of theft of property. As of Friday, he remained incarcerated in a $24,000 bond.
Barton was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance after deputies located more than 30 grams of suspected methamphetamine on her person at the time of her arrest. Barton was released Wednesday on a $17,500 bond.
Baker was arrested on charges of theft of property. She was released Wednesday on a $10,000 bond.
Robertson was arrested on charges of theft of property. As of Friday he remains in custody on a $10,000 bond.
Sheriff Authier said he is pleased with the joint investigation and the assistance of neighboring agencies.
“This investigation took a matter of days to identify and arrest the four suspects involved,” said Sheriff Authier. “It is just another example of how joining resources with outside agencies can be a success. These investigators cleared five theft and burglary cases through their efforts. We would like to sincerely thank all agencies and divisions which assisted in this case.”
Sheriff Authier also stated additional charges are pending the ongoing investigation. The cases will be submitted to the Parker County District Attorney’s Office seeking prosecution.
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