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Major theft ring busted in Wayne County

Posted at 12:37 PM, Feb 12, 2016
and last updated 2016-02-12 16:23:24-05

Multiple local agencies are investigating a major theft ring after a huge amount of stolen property was found stashed in camping trailers and an out building in Shreve, Ohio.

It all started when Holmes County investigators received a tip from an informant that there was a lot of stolen property on some land in Wayne County.

Officials obtained a search warrant and searched the property at 7840 S. Elyria Rd. around 5 p.m. on Thursday.

On the property, deputies found guns, four-wheelers and many tools. More than 200 items were seized with with an estimated value of $30,000.

Investigators needed two trailers to haul away all of the suspected stolen goods.

Wayne County Sheriff's Office Captain Doug Hunter said the items are believed to be linked to thefts in Coshocton, Wayne, Holmes and Ashland counties. 

"This man was essentially hoarding stolen property," Hunter said.

One man was arrested. Two others were detained, but then released pending further investigation.

The arrested man, 42-year-old Robert Boley, had just finished cooking meth when authorities arrived, according to Hunter. He was charged with possession of meth, manufacturing of meth and assembly of chemicals.

Prior to the bust, Hunter believes the site was a revolving door of people trading stolen items for meth.

Boley was being held on a $50,000 bond, but was released Friday afternoon after he 10 percent of the bond. Officials said he will face additional charges of receiving stolen property. 

The Holmes County Sheriff's Office, LEAD Task Force, Coshocton County Sheriff's Office, Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Clinton Township Fire Department and Wayne County Prosecutor's Office are all working together to investigate.