Suspects in Newton County equipment theft identified

We’ve learned the identities of a pair of suspects recently arrested and accused of stealing heavy equipment in Newton County. The crime was discovered on May 10th about 5 miles southwest of Newton and involved equipment that was owned by Jasper-Newton Electric Cooperative. The equipment was soon found in Jasper County. Newton County Sheriff Robert Burby says the investigation led deputies to the 200 block of Wolfe Lane in Cougar Country between Buna and Kirbyville where the two suspects were arrested. Burby says at that location deputies found a travel trailer which had also been stolen in Newton County. They have been identified as Rhodie Day, 36, of Roganville, and Michael Bennefield, 35, of Buna. Day has been charged with Theft of Property and Possession of a Controlled Substance with bond set at $30,000.00. Bennefield has been charged with Burglary of Habitation with bond set at $150,000.00.