Officials look for theft suspect

Russellville investigators have one person in custody and want the community’s help in finding another that they believe to be involved in a string of thefts in northwest Alabama.
Russellville Police Chief Chris Hargett said arrest warrants have been issued for Harry Wayne Roberts, 48, and Stacy Elaine Murray, 34, who both last listed 50 Front St., Russellville, as their address.
Both were wanted for two counts of first degree receiving stolen property.
Murray turned herself in to authorities shortly after noon Tuesday, but authorities still have not located Roberts.
Hargett said the two are believed to be involved in several theft cases involving large outdoor equipment such as Kubota-type farm equipment, zero turn lawn mowers, ATVs, tractors, trailers and similar items.
“There were two reports of stolen items from a local business in January and then reports of another theft on LaGrange Road in April,” Hargett said.
“We believe both of these are linked to the same theft-ring. “
Hargett said the thefts have occurred in both Franklin and Colbert counties.
“Some arrests have already been made by Colbert County Sheriff’s Department investigators and several thousand dollars worth of equipment has been recovered, but there are still items missing from Colbert and Franklin counties totaling into the thousands of dollars.”
The items taken in the January business theft totaled $22,980 and the LaGrange Road theft totaled $19,676 in stolen merchandise. None of those items have been recovered.
“We were able to get enough information to develop Roberts and Murray as suspects and issued arrest warrants last Friday,” Hargett said.
“We spent the weekend looking for them and we would like to ask the community to help us if they know the whereabouts of the two. Obviously they know we are looking for them. This is like an organized ring so it’s a serious matter.”
Anyone with knowledge about the case is asked to contact the Russellville Police Department at 256-332-2230.