Cass County – Last night, a joint criminal investigation by officers from the Cass County Sheriff’s Department and the Indiana State Police led to the arrest of James Nelson, 52, Walton, IN. Nelson was incarcerated in the Cass County Jail to face six class D felony charges for theft.

Between January 18th and February 23rd, there were six reported thefts of copper tubing made to the Cass County Sheriff’s Department. The thefts occurred at four area farms and a local church. The church had copper tubing stolen twice. During the investigation, detectives from the Indiana State Police received a citizen’s tip which led officers to focus their investigation on Nelson.

Further investigation by Cass County Sheriff’s Detective Tom Heflin and Deputy Brad Craven led to officers discovering evidence at a local metal processing facility, which allegedly connected Nelson to some of the reported thefts. Officers from the Cass County Sheriff’s Department conducted a search of Nelson’s vehicle. They allegedly found tools that could be used to remove copper tubing. As officers continued the investigation, they were able to develop probable cause linking Nelson to all six reported thefts.

Assisting the Cass County Sheriff’s Department during this investigation were Indiana State Police Trooper Detectives Josh Rozzi and Josh Maller.