Charges filed in theft from construction site

BENTON, Mo. -- An East Prairie, Mo., man was arrested and charged in the theft of tools and materials from the Kelly School construction site. A Scott County Sheriff's Department release Monday said Beachie T. Johnston, 37, reportedly stole tools valued at about $900 from the site. He posted a $10,000 bond and is scheduled to appear before Associate Circuit Judge Scott Horman March 7. The theft was reported Friday, according to the release. Assistance from a local businessman led to the suspect and the recovery of the tools, Sheriff Rick Walter said Monday. Walter said the source, who did not want to be identified to the press, went "above and beyond the normal assistance" in helping investigators.

Walter said the department appreciates and recognizes the efforts of community members. "We get a lot of cooperation from people here," he said.