Brighton man arrested for theft of heavy equipment

    Ryley Dale Jones, 22, of Brighton, was arrested Wednesday and charged with first degree theft and third degree criminal mischief. Jones is charged with stealing over $10,000 in property and knowingly causing damage to another?s property. First degree theft is a Class C felony while third degree criminal mischief is an aggravated misdemeanor. Jones? bond will be set later today.     

    Washington County Deputy Chad Ellis arrested Jones Wednesday night. According to Ellis? sworn affidavit, Jones admitted to stealing four items: a 1977 International Tractor model 1486 valued at $8,000, a 2002 Caterpillar skid steer loader valued at $20,000, a Hygrade grader valued at $17,000 and a 2008 Delta trailer worth $7,000.

    Ellis wrote in the affidavit that he received a tip from Reserve Captain Kenny Miller concerning stolen property. Miller informed Ellis that a Caterpillar skid steer was reported stolen from 2034 315th Street and that a 1977 International Tractor was reported stolen from a field west of Kiwi Avenue on 315th Street. After receiving information that the items were on Jones? property, Ellis applied for a search warrant of Jones? property, which was granted. Ellis discovered the skid steer and the International tractor in a machine shed on the property. Ellis also found the grader, which was stolen from Keokuk County Implement.

    Ellis went to the home of Rickey Jones, Ryley?s father, at 106 S. Farmer St. in Brighton. While speaking with Rickey, Ellis observed Ryley exit the house. Ryley told Ellis he wanted to talk to him. The two men sat down at the kitchen table. Ryley told Ellis he was having financial difficulties and that he had stolen the four said items. Ryley said he had taken the stolen trailer to the family farm at 3205 Fir Ave. The trailer was identified as belonging to a resident of Sigourney. Ryley was then placed under arrest and taken to the Washington County Jail. 

For more, see our July 15 print edition.