Stolen hay tracked down and recovered, arrest made

The Moniteau County Sheriff's Department reported recovery of stolen hay and an arrest following an investigation into a theft reported to have occurred in the southern part of the county.

According to Sheriff Jeptha Gump, on July 14, Jerry Schulte reported the theft of about 32 large round hay bales, about 400 gallons of diesel fuel and several other items stolen from his farm.

The theft is reported to have occurred Thursday night or Friday morning. Apparently, the thieves used the farmer's own tractor and equipment to load the hay to be stolen.

During the investigation, Gump said officers obtained information leading them to believe the stolen hay was transported towards the Latham area. While searching the area, officers received some anonymous tips that led the officers to the stolen hay.

Gump said 26 bales of the stolen hay had been sold to a farmer north of Latham. The going rate for large bales of hay is currently $60 to $90 per bale, but this was sold for $31 a bale.

For more of this story check out the July 25 issue of the California Democrat.