Roy W. Poynter, 46, of Russellville, was arrested for his involvement in a theft ring.
Investigators say they anticipate additional arrests as the case continues to uncover the full extent of the theft ring.
Meanwhile, a Pulaski County man continues to add more felonies to his record after the series of crimes that spanned across four counties.The crimes ranged from stolen vehicles and farming equipment, fleeing police, and drug charges.
According to court documents, on May 5, a Jasper County farmer near Rensselaer reported that a white semi-truck and flatbed trailer loaded with seed and a 2,500-gallon fertilizer tank had been stolen from his property. Later that day, police received a separate theft report from a construction site at Fair Oaks Park that involved a missing Caterpillar mini excavator and a Takeuchi skid steer.
One of the stolen machine's GPS data sent police to a property near Russellville where the stolen semi and farm equipment were soon recovered. A green trailer and a 2024 Kawasaki side-by-side utility vehicle that had been reported stolen from a VFW in Clay County on May 6 was also found. The bike's ignition had been tampered with by a screwdriver. An investigation revealed other items found at the property were linked to thefts from several other counties.. The total value of property recovered related to the Jasper County thefts and other items linked to thefts in several other counties was reported to exceed $500,000, thus far.
Witnesses from the property told investigators that Scott Rector, 54, of Winamac, brought the stolen vehicles and equipment to the property. The witnesses claimed to have digital messages as proof of Rector being linked to the theft. Rector was eventually charged and was booked in the Jasper County Jail. He faces three counts of theft of property valued over $50,000, Level 5 felonies; resisting law enforcement using a vehicle, a Level 6 felony in Jasper County. Rector is also facing charges in Clay County of auto theft, a Level 6 felony; and in White County for theft of property valued over $50,000, Level 5 felony.
Prosecutors have already filed a habitual offender enhancement, citing Rector’s previous felony convictions for theft in Pulaski County in 2021, theft in Parke County in 2022, and resisting law enforcement in Jasper County in 2011. Further evidence collected during the investigation indicates the theft ring that may span across multiple counties throughout Indiana, Illinois, and Missouri. Additional Indiana counties involved in the investigation include Pulaski, Jasper, White, Putnam, Vigo, Clay, Newton, and Tippecanoe.
Investigators believe there are many other victims that have yet to officially come forward about thefts.
SW Parke Community Schools looking at Revision Project
NWS extends Winter Storm Warning to Monday morning
President Donald J. Trump approves emergency declaration for Indiana
IDHS activates State Emergency Operations Center in response to winter storm
Scholarship Fund honors former Coach Blank
Winter Storm Watch in effect for the weekend, heavy snow possible
ISP releases Human Trafficking Awareness Initiative results
Indiana House Page Program available during 2026 session
Indiana State Police seeks volunteer chaplains to support trooper wellness and resilience
American Red Cross urges the public to donate blood
Rheese Benjamin finishes 8th at wrestling state finals
USDA launches Lender Lens Dashboard to promote data transparency
Cancer Action Day at the Indiana Statehouse: Advocates call for legislation to reduce the burden of cancer
U.S. Rep. Yakym’s bipartisan BARCODE Efficiency Act Advances
Applications available for Indiana Sheriffs' Association college scholarships
