Thieves have caused a lot of problems for Emery County residents. Two arrests were recently made for two criminals who have stolen property from Emery County residents.
Jason Robert Sweat and Shawn Dale Christensen were arrested and charged with theft a second degree felony, Receive or transfer a stolen vehicle a second degree felony, alter a vehicle identification number a second degree felony and theft a third degree felony.
At the initial appearance before Judge George Harmond on Feb. 6 the two defendants were released on their own recognizance. Brent Langston, Emery County deputy county attorney did not offer any objection to their release.
The defendants were ordered to have no contact with each other or with the victims in this case.
Sweat and Christensen took a flat bed trailer, farm machinery, welding equipment and numerous items including a dump trailer, and floor jack.
Sheriff Greg Funk said, “The extent of what was taken may not be known at this time. There are a lot of farmers who haven’t been to check on their equipment for awhile and we may get more reports of missing items as time goes by. There may be some things which are never recovered.
“Victims in this case have been able to recover some of their items. The pair took a flat bed and cut it to fit their own vehicle.
“Our county residents have been harmed by the actions of these two men. Taking other people’s property creates a hardship on those losing items.
“Most of these items are used in business and on the farm and it’s been tough for a lot of people.
“We are still investigating the case and searching for missing items. Please contact the sheriff’s office if you have any questions 381-2404,” said Sheriff Funk.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 3 at 10:30 a.m. at the Emery County Courthouse.
Detectives arrest men responsible for thefts in county
Shawn Dale Christensen. ECSO Photo