NA police break up multi-state theft ring

New Albany police made arrests Jan. 19 that apparently have broken up a theft ring responsible for hundreds of thousands of dollars in items stolen over a three-state area.

“We got information from Lowe’s loss prevention that the store here might be targeted by an organized crime ring out of Memphis,” Police Chief Chris Robertson said.

So officers staked out the area and about 2:48 a.m. two black males arrived in a vehicle pulling a U-Haul trailer. The officers were able to catch the two in the act of attempting to steal a law mower valued at about $5,000.

This is a type of mower similar to the one thieves were attempting to steal.

Charged with grand larceny were Eric Sherfield, 38, of 1255 Haynes St., Memphis, and Gregory Wilson, 33, of 2464 Pecan Circle, also of Memphis.

Bond for each was set at $20,000 but the Federal Bureau of Investigation is also working on charges, Robertson said.

“In the meantime, District Attorney Ben Creekmore has placed a hold on the two until other jurisdictions have been notified,” the chief said. “Then they likely will be turned over to the FBI.”

Robertson said the two or other members of the ring have been responsible for thefts at Lowe’s, Home Depot and Tractor Supply Company in Mississippi, Tennessee and Alabama. Seven different agencies have been working on the case, he added.