Newton County Sheriff Robert Burby says deputies are investigating the theft of heavy equipment which occurred about 5 miles southwest of Newton. According to Burby, the equipment belong to Jasper-Newton Electric Cooperative and it had been left park on a high-line next to Farm to Market Road 2939. Burby said an employee of the co-op discovered the crime Monday morning and reported that a skid steer and a mulcher had been stolen, along with a battery, a pair of channel locks, and a rubber hammer. The value of the stolen equipment and items is more than $156,000.00, and Sheriff Burby said he suspects that they’ll soon be showing up on social media and buyers websites.
The following items are reported stolen:
~ 2020 Diamond Mulcher
Black in color, Model #FDS072-C Serial #28435
Valued at $32,300.00
~ 2022 Caterpillar Skid Steer
Yellow in color, Model #299D3 Serial #BX904161
Valued $124,247.89
~ Big battery from big trimming rig
Valued at $300.00
~ One pair of channel locks
Valued at $10.00
~ One rubber hammer
Valued at $10.00
If you have any information about the crime or the location of the stolen items, you’re asked to call the Newton County Sheriff’s Department at 409-379-3636. You do not have to give your name.