Stoddard County man arrested for gas theft

Scott County Sheriff Rick Walter said today that a 38-year-old Stoddard County man is in custody following the theft of gas from Scott County farm, early this morning.

According to a news release, Shawn William Yount, 38, 25071 Plum St. in Bell City, has been charged with three counts of misdemeanor stealing, with a bond set at $1,000.00 cash only.

According to  Walter, the suspect went to a farm on Route W, near Oran, about 1 a.m. Sunday and took gasoline from a gasoline bulk tank at the farm shop building. During the course of the investigation, Yount admitted to having stolen gas from the same farm on three prior occasions as well.

Walter said, "With the price of gasoline increasing every day, we can expect

an increase in gasoline theft, just as the price of copper resulted in

increased copper thefts."

"We have augmented regular patrol units, with senior staff members and

sheriff’s reserve deputies, who donate an evening or two a week to help look

for these thieves," Walter said.

The sheriff also said that everyone could help themselves and the sheriff’s

department by locking their vehicles at night, securing their gasoline

supplies and lighting areas where bulk gas storage facilities are located.