Construction Site Theft Investigation Leads to Multiple Arrests and Drug Charges

The theft occurred in the early morning hours of October 15th at a residence under construction on Hayden Road in east Daviess County near Thruston. Construction materials and tools were taken, locks were cut from contractors' trailers, and wiring was pulled from the walls of the home, causing severe damage. Surveillance footage from the area showed a black pickup truck entering and leaving the property multiple times during overnight hours during a several day period that began prior to October 15.

Through the course of the investigation, detectives identified James Jackson as a suspect based on the vehicle. Jackson was arrested by Owensboro Police on an active warrant for related activity, and detectives from the Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigations Division were able to interview him. According to detectives, Jackson admitted to entering the property numerous times and stated that on October 15th he and John Tinnell Jr. returned to the site together and stole tools and materials.

Detectives obtained search warrants for Jackson's storage unit and Tinnell's residence on Phillips Court in Owensboro. The search warrants were executed by DCSO detectives with the General Investigations and Special Investigations Units. During those searches, deputies recovered stolen property confirmed taken from the Hayden Road site, including a Predator generator, new rolls of PEX tubing, and several other tools and materials.

While serving the search warrant at the Phillips Court residence, deputies observed suspected marijuana and drug paraphernalia in plain view and obtained an additional search warrant for illegal drugs. That search resulted in the seizure of more than 20 baggies containing suspected methamphetamine, approximately 60 grams of suspected marijuana, a digital scale, THC products, multiple glass pipes, a ledger, US currency, and a .22 caliber rifle.

Detectives arrested the following suspects and lodged them in the Daviess County Detention Center:

James Jackson, 46, address unknown

• Criminal Trespassing (3rd Degree, 1st Offense) (16 Counts)
• Receiving Stolen Property ($1,000 or more but less than $10,000)
• Criminal Mischief (2nd Degree)

John D. Tinnell Jr., 50, of the 200 block of Phillips Court, Owensboro, KY

• Criminal Trespassing (3rd Degree, 1st Offense)
• Receiving Stolen Property ($1,000 or more but less than $10,000)
• Criminal Mischief (2nd Degree)
• Possession of a Controlled Substance, 1st Degree (Methamphetamine, 3rd or Subsequent Offense)
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Leigh Ann Shepherd, 54, of the 200 block of Phillips Court, Owensboro, KY

• Trafficking in a Controlled Substance, 1st Degree (Methamphetamine, 2 grams or more, 1st Offense)
• Trafficking in Marijuana (Less than 8 Ounces, 1st Offense)
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia 

Anyone with additional information about this case is asked to contact lead investigator, Detective Sergeant Chris Hayes, at the Daviess County Sheriff's Office. All individuals charged are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

"This case is a good example of what persistent detective work can accomplish. What began as a theft report from a construction site led to the recovery of a large cache of stolen property and the seizure of a significant amount of drugs. I appreciate the cooperation with Owensboro Police and the continued efforts of our Criminal Investigations Division," Sheriff Brad Youngman