State authorities announced that they have recovered roughly $210,000 worth of stolen agricultural equipment in Hinds County.
On Tuesday, the Mississippi Agriculture and Livestock Theft Bureau was contacted to assist in the investigation of a Cat 299D3 skid steer stolen out of Copiah County. The initial report was taken by the Copiah County Sheriff’s Office.
The equipment was being used to clear beetle-infested timber along highways and utility right-of-ways. During the course of this investigation, investigators uncovered information that led them to an area in rural Hinds County.
MALTB investigators, along with the Hinds County Sheriff’s Office investigations, Hinds County Patrol Division, and Hinds County Emergency Operations Center, were able to locate and recover the stolen equipment. Though unrelated to the initial report, a 16-foot enclosed trailer that was reported stolen in Hinds County last month was also recovered at the scene.
The skid steer with a mulching head is valued at approximately $196,000, and the trailer is valued at approximately $14,000.
“This investigation and the recovery of $210,000 in combined ag equipment was a law enforcement team effort,” MALTB Director Dean Barnard said.
No arrests have been announced at this time. Law enforcement are continuing to investigate this case.
