Two men are in the Kosciusko County Jail after an extensive crime spree that spans across five Indiana counties and into Michigan.
Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department detectives are currently working with several other law enforcement agencies after the arrest of two local men. Frank Bailey III, 41, of North Webster, and Michael Nicholas Watson, 27, of Leesburg, were arrested yesterday and charged with felony theft, burglary, and auto theft.
The pair had been part of a large-scale theft ring that has grown to involve potentially four additional suspects. The group had committed crimes in Noble, Steuben, Starke, and Pulaski counties, as well as two counties in Michigan, according to 1st Sgt. Chad Hill, KCSD Public Information Officer.
Kosciusko County detectives stated that officers have recovered two side-by-side utility task vehicle’s, eight all-terrain vehicle’s, six trailers, snowmobiles, go-carts, golf carts, motor-cross motorcycles, and mini-bikes. Several of the items are believed to have yet been reported stolen by the actual victims.
Bailey was additionally charged with operating a vehicle while never licensed and a second charge of felony auto theft. Bailey is currently being held in the Kosciusko County Jail on a $15,710 bond. Watson is being held on a prosecutorial hold with no bond.
Detectives stated that additional arrest may be forthcoming and from other county agencies as the investigation continues. The North Webster Police Department also assisted in the investigation.
