Cleveland County Theft Ring Investigation Leads To Six Arrests

Cleveland County Theft Ring Investigation Leads To Six Arrests

The Cleveland County theft ring investigation has resulted in six arrests after deputies uncovered what investigators describe as a loosely connected group responsible for a series of construction site thefts across central Oklahoma.

The Cleveland County Sheriff's Office said its Criminal Investigation Division spent the past month investigating multiple theft reports before serving five search warrants that led to the arrests and the recovery of stolen vehicles, motorcycles, firearms, illegal drugs and other property. Investigators say charges are expected against a total of 13 suspects as the investigation continues. An arrest is an allegation, not a conviction. All suspects are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

Cleveland County Theft Ring Investigation Recovers Stolen Property

Deputies recovered a significant amount of stolen property while executing the search warrants, including a 2006 Chevrolet 4500-series truck, two Harley-Davidson motorcycles, three dirt bikes, a dual-axle trailer, sports equipment and collectible trading cards.

Investigators also recovered three handguns, two of which had been reported stolen, along with several grams of suspected methamphetamine and more than a pound of marijuana. Authorities said evidence found during the searches indicated the drugs were being distributed.

Information released by the Cleveland County Sheriff's Office says investigators also discovered burn piles containing copper wire and other copper products believed to be connected to ongoing theft investigations.

The recovered property has been linked to cases investigated by multiple agencies, including the Norman Police Department, Moore Police Department, Noble Police Department, Choctaw Police Department, Minco Police Department and the Oklahoma County Sheriff's Office.

Six People Arrested As Investigation Continues

The sheriff's office identified those arrested as James L. Thomas, Joshua T. Ramsey, Jacob S. Valentine, Alicia K. Moore, Elizabeth M. Jones and Susan N. Johnson.

Thomas was arrested on multiple counts of possessing, receiving or concealing stolen property and possession of a firearm after a former felony conviction. Ramsey was arrested on allegations of possessing controlled substances with intent to distribute, while Valentine and Moore were arrested on drug possession allegations. Jones and Johnson were arrested on outstanding warrants.

Current inmate information and future court proceedings will be available through the Oklahoma State Courts Network (OSCN) as charges are formally filed.

Sheriff Darrell Weaver praised investigators following the operation.

"It's a good day in Cleveland County when we are able to remove a criminal cell group from our county," Weaver said. "Our deputies did an outstanding job of securing an enforcement case against this ring of thieves."

Investigators Expect Additional Charges

Authorities say the investigation remains active, with prosecutors expected to file charges against 13 suspects connected to the alleged theft operation.

Investigators also anticipate additional criminal charges against some of the six individuals already in custody as evidence continues to be processed.

The Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Control continues working with local law enforcement agencies statewide to investigate drug trafficking and property crimes that often overlap with organized theft investigations.

Officials say anyone with information related to the theft cases is encouraged to contact the Cleveland County Sheriff's Office as detectives continue identifying additional suspects and recovering stolen property.

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