Three Fulton men have been charged in connection with multiple thefts at storage units over the past several months at locations throughout Callaway County.
According to sheriff's department reports, the three arrested and charged were Morgan Patton, 38; Lance Kemp, 38; and Chase Shaver, 20.
The three are charged with multiple thefts between July 1 and Nov. 14 from storage units in and near Auxvasse, Fulton, New Bloomfield and Holts Summit, according to authorities. The investigations into the thefts were conducted by the Fulton Police Department, Holts Summit Police Department and the Callaway County Sheriff's office.
On Wednesday, Holts Summit police investigated a storage unit theft and officers later attempted to arrest Shaver at a business in New Bloomfield. He fled from officers in a vehicle and was not immediately located.
Lance Kemp and Morgan Patton were identified as additional suspects and were arrested by Fulton police Wednesday in Fulton.
On Wednesday evening, Callaway County sheriff's deputies were patrolling the New Bloomfield area and spotted Shaver. He was taken into custody without incident.
Investigators from the three agencies obtained and executed two search warrants in Callaway County and recovered a large amount of stolen property.
On Thursday, the Callaway County prosecuting attorney filed charges against the three.
Patton was charged with felony receiving stolen property. He later posted a court set bond of $4,500.
Kemp was charged with second-degree burglary and possession of burglary tools. As of Monday night, he was still in custody at the Callaway County Jail on a court set bond of $10,000.
Shaver was charged with second-degree burglary, possession of burglar tools and resisting arrest. As of Monday night, he was still in jail on a court set bond of $15,000.
Callaway County authorities said several articles of stolen property have been recovered that are associated with unreported thefts at storage units across the county. Residents are encouraged to check their units and contact local law enforcement if property is missing.
On Nov. 27, representatives from the Fulton Police Department, the Holts Summit Police Department, and the Callaway County Sheriff's Office will be available for a public viewing of the recovered property at the Fulton Police Department.
Only those who have made related theft reports to law enforcement will be able to view the property to make claims. Residents are asked to schedule a time with their respective local law enforcement agency before Nov. 27 to view the recovered property.
The contact information for each agency regarding this investigation:
- Callaway County Sheriff's Office, Lt. Matt Palmer or Lt. Curtis Hall, (573) 592-2454.
- Fulton Police Department, Lt. Jason Barnes, Detective Brandi Mintle or Detective Crystal Kent, (573) 592-3100
- Holts Summit Police Department, Detective Colette Beard, (573) 896-4678.
The investigation is ongoing; further arrests and charges are possible, according to authorities.