MSP: 5 arrested in 6-county theft ring

MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. (WOOD) - Five people allegedly involved in a six-county theft ring now face multiple felony charges.

Michigan State Police started investigating the ring following the theft of $60,000 in tools and equipment from an Evart auto shop on Jan. 25. Two suspects in that burglary were arrested regarding an unrelated crime in Isabella County.

The next week, the owner of the auto shop called MSP after he noticed suspicious activity at the home of one of the suspects, who had been released on bond.

Troopers then made contact with the original suspect and two others. Most of the property taken from the auto shop was recovered. Also recovered were several trailers stolen from across West Michigan.

The investigation also linked two of the suspects to an unrelated assault.

The suspects have been linked to crimes in Allegan, Isabella, Kent, Mecosta, Osceola and Ottawa counties.

Four of the suspects have been arraigned --

• John Henry Bedford of Grand Rapids for receiving and concealing stolen property greater than $1,000 but less than $20,000
• Brian Joseph McCarthy of Evart for receiving and concealing property less than $20,000
• Robert Edward McCarthy of Reed City for receiving and concealing stolen property greater than $1,000 but less than $20,000
• Lynnwood Allen Whitehead of Evart for breaking and entering a building with intent, and receiving and concealing stolen property greater than $1,000 but less than $20,000

Authorities expect to make more arrests connected to the theft ring. Anyone with information is asked to call MSP.

The Michigan State Police Dive Team, the Isabella County Sheriff's Department, the Evart Police Department and the Osceola County Sheriff's Department assisted with the investigation.