On Tuesday, Sept. 10, Sheriff Roy Martin reports that the Boone County Criminal Investigations conducted an investigation in a large number of suspected retail thefts. The investigation led by Cpl. Investigator Anthony Barber detected a large number of suspicious pawn transactions. Records indicated that two Harrison residents identified as 29 year old Dakota Felan and 30 year old Jazmine Cope had conducted over $50,000 in pawn transactions over the last two years. The majority of these transactions were found to be new power tool items. Working with asset protection at Home Depot, Tractor Supply and Wal-Mart, Cpl. Barber was able to observe a number of store thefts that involved pawning the stolen tools at local pawn businesses.
Working with the Harrison Police, Branson Police and Arkansas Probation and Parole sufficient probable cause was established to conduct search warrants that led Cpl. Barber to additional evidence that was recovered from the suspect's home in Harrison. Cpl. Barber reported that empty power tool boxes along with anti-theft devices were found. It was determined that the total loss on the recovered boxes was in excess of $11,747.94 in merchandise.
Both Felan and Cope are currently in custody at the Boone County Sheriff's Department on felony theft related offenses. Cope who is on current parole for drug related offenses is being held without bond.
