Springfield man arrested for role in multi-state theft ring

PITTSFIELD, Ill. (WAND) - A Springfield man has been arrested for his role in a multi-state theft ring responsible for the theft of off-road vehicles, trailers and lawn equipment across Illinois and Missouri.

The Pike County Sheriff's Department said on Facebook Aug. 11 that the department received multiple reports of stolen property from locations throughout the county between April 28 and July 22.

Among the items reported stolen were side-by-side utility vehicles, dirt bikes, zero-turn mowers and utility trailers taken from properties including Pike County communities.

Investigators found leads connecting Pike County incidents to thefts in Piatt, Fayette, Franklin and Tazewell Counties in Illinois, and areas in Missouri, eventually linking the stolen goods to an organized theft operation.

An Illinois State Police official provided information to Pike County investigators, which led to a suspect being identified.

Richard Wilson, 47, of Springfield, was arrested Aug. 4 on a Pike County warrant for theft over $10,000 and a Morgan County, Missouri, warrant for possession of a stolen motor vehicle.

Local and state officials executed a search warrant Aug. 7 in the 1700 block of East Miller Street in Springfield, where multiple electronic devices and other evidence believed to have been used in the thefts were discovered.

The investigation is ongoing.