Two charged with multiple thefts, other crimes

By Bob Steenson, bsteenson@charlescitypress.com 

A second Floyd County man has been arrested on multiple charges of theft, possession of stolen property and other charges.

Jason Duane Burnett, age 20, of Rudd, was arrested last Thursday and charged with two counts of first-degree theft, one count of second-degree theft, one count of fourth-degree theft and one count of ongoing criminal conduct – unlawful activity.

Earlier last week, Colten Lee Lindley, age 24, of Rockford, was also arrested on numerous theft charges and other charges for many of the same incidents with which Burnett was allegedly connected.

According to documents filed in Floyd County District Court, Burnett is accused of stealing a red 1996 Dodge Ram truck and stripping it for parts, then setting the truck cab on fire on a rural roadway; stealing a black 1997 Dodge Ram truck, painting it and giving it a fraudulent VIN; stealing an International Harvester 806 tractor; having stolen property in his possession including trucks, truck parts, tractors and “possibly other trailers and such;” and having possession of a Mitchell County welcome sign and a “Suicidal Deer” warning sign.

Burnett is being held in the Floyd County Jail under $52,000 bond. He is being represented by Nathaniel W. Schwickerath.

Lindley was arrested on two counts of first-degree theft, two counts of second-degree theft, one count of third-degree theft, one count of second-degree arson and one count of ongoing criminal conduct – unlawful activity.

He is also charged with the theft of the 1996 Dodge Ram truck which was allegedly stripped of parts and found on fire; the theft of the black 1997 Dodge Ram truck that was painted and allegedly given a fake VIN; having possession of stolen property including trucks, truck parts, tractors and “possible” trailers; the theft of the IH 806 tractor; the theft of a trailer that was recovered along with the truck that had been set on fire; as well as possession of stolen checks, fuel tank and fuel nozzles.

Lindley was arrested last Tuesday, July 24, and is being held at the Floyd County Jail under a total $68,000 bond, according to a jail employee. He does not have an attorney listed.

Lindley had a month earlier been arrested on charges of forgery and identity theft for allegedly paying for gas at a Marble Rock gas station on June 22 using a forged check and using allegedly stolen identification.