Four Arrested For Large Shawano County Theft Operation

Photo Submitted By Shawano County Sheriff’s Department

Over 60 Guns Seized During Investigation

The Shawano County Sheriff’s Department has arrested four individuals that they believe were responsible for one of the largest theft cases in the County. A 20 year old man and 20 year old woman, both from Mattoon, were taken into custody on Monday.  A 61 year old man was arrested on Tuesday, and a fourth suspect was arrested on Wednesday. Shawano County Sheriff Adam Bieber said the department seized over 60 guns that they believe to be stolen, but guns were not the only item found.

“We recovered crossbows, fishing equipment, chainsaws, skill saws, you name it” said Bieber. “This is one of the largest theft cases I have seen in the 17 years that I have been in  law enforcement. We were surprised to see that many guns” continued Bieber. “I know that I have never seen 60 guns in one house.”

The arrests come after a long investigation of thefts that have been reported for the better part of a year, according to Bieber. The Sheriff’s Department secured search warrants for two residences and that is when they came across the stolen item jackpot. Sheriff Bieber said they hope to try to get the items back to their owners, but they will more than likely run into a problem in some cases.

“A lot of people do not keep track of serial numbers on their items, so it makes it difficult to get those items returned.

Sheriff Bieber said theft causes other problems in the communities and theft makes the victims angry.

“They should feel violated when they are stolen from” said Bieber. “This is a high priority for us and we have the whole detective division working on this.”

The Sheriff’s Department believes that others may be involved yet and the investigation is still fluid.

“We are hoping to catch the others if they are involved, but we are also hoping to bring those involved to justice and win the case.”

Beiber added that drugs are involved in this case. Charges against the four suspects have not been filed, they are expected to be in court after the holiday weekend, either Monday or Tuesday.