At the beginning of this week, the Brown County Sheriff’s Office received a report of numerous round bales of costal hay that had been stolen off of a property located on Hwy 183N.  The complainant stated that approximately 100 bales that were larger than six foot round bales had been stolen.  All together, the bales had an approximate value of $6000.00.  There were no suspect(s) at the time of the initial report.

Sheriff’s investigator, Vance Hill began conducting the investigation into this theft and was assisted by other Sheriff’s Office Investigators.   Hill began conducting surveillance of the remaining hay on the property.  On Thursday afternoon, deputies observed a vehicle parked at the location hidden by trees.  While watching the vehicle, deputies observed the occupants of the vehicle load a trailer with 17 more bales of hay.

Deputies followed the truck and trailer to Zephyr and believing the vehicle was about to leave Brown County, the vehicle was stopped in Zephyr.  Two individuals occupied the vehicle.  After speaking with the occupants, one of the occupants was released until further investigation could be conducted.  The second occupant, 29-year-old Benjamin Kirchner, was arrested and charged with the theft of the hay and transported to the Brown County Jail.  The hay was returned to the owner.

With the value of hay rising and the dry conditions, the Sheriff’s Office recognizes that this type of theft could become more likely.

“We would recommend everyone keep a vigilant eye opened to watch for this or any other type of theft,” stated Sheriff Bobby Grubbs.  “Good neighbors watching out for each other is a valuable assistance to the Sheriff’s Office in keeping our county safe and protected from criminal acts.”