Two arrests have been made and a third arrest is pending following an investigation into several break-ins and thefts from area marinas that were reported in July.
19-year-old Lukas Trey Helm of Olathe, Kansas and 20-year-old Dane Phillip Christensen of Lenexa, Kansas recently surrendered themselves to the Baxter County Sheriff on multiple charges related to the thefts. A bench warrant remains outstanding for the third suspect, 19 year old Macgyver Michael Sabin of Gardner, Kansas.
According to the probable cause affidavit beginning on July 12 the Baxter County Sheriff’s Office began taking reports of boats at several marinas on Lake Norfork being unlawfully entered and various items stolen from them. These included thefts from the Cranfield Marina, Lake Norfork Marina, and the Panther Bay Marina.
At least seven different victims were identified. Items stolen included thousands of dollars worth of fishing poles, tackle boxes, lures, GPS devices, and other fishing and boating gear.
The investigation into the crimes involved obtaining video footage from the surveillance systems at these various marinas. Three male suspects were captured on video as being involved in these break-ins and thefts. They were seen to be in a gold colored SUV. Images of these suspects were posted on social media in an effort to identify them.
During the investigation, it was learned that the men had stopped at a local service station and purchased items. Two of the suspects paid with cash but one of the suspects according to video footage had used a credit card to purchase a bottle of water. Investigators contacted the bank through which the credit card had been issued and were able to obtain the name of the card holder and that search revealed Helm to be the one who made the purchase.
Sheriff’s Investigators then performed a national search for the suspect to see if he had pawned any of the items that had been stolen. It was determined that Sabin had pawned items at a pawn shop in Independence, Missouri and had been accompanied by Christensen while doing so. The pawn shop also indicated that another law enforcement agency, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office in Kansas, had already contacted the pawn shop in regards to another case they were working on involving Sabin.
Baxter County Investigators made contact with Douglas County, Kansas authorities and began sharing information. Two persons had already been arrested in Douglas County for boat dock thefts in that jurisdiction. Much of the property stolen in Baxter County had been found and seized by Douglas County. Baxter County Investigators traveled to Douglas County last week and recovered that property so it could be returned to the owners.
Charges for Helm and Christensen include breaking or entering and theft of property both felonies. The charges also include misdemeanor charges of theft of property and criminal trespass.
Lukas Helm was released August 8 from custody after posting $15,000 bond. Dane Christensen surrendered Monday and was released shortly after also posting bond totaling $15,000. Both men are scheduled to appear before the Baxter County Circuit Court on August 25th.
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