Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Three Arrested For Fishing Gear Theft

Three men have been arrested in connection with the theft of fishing gear from a deer camp off Highway 19.

The theft occurred April 3, 1999, when about $4,500 worth of fishing tackle and a chain saw were taken from a camp.

According to Wayne Kisselburg, criminal investigator for the Nevada County Sheriff's Office and Prescott Police Department, Chris Hill, 21, of Cotton Sled, William Gene Hogue, 20, of Camden, and Maurice Lee Sanders, 41, of Camden were arrested and charged with theft of property over $2,500.

Kisselburg said leads were worked up leading to the suspects, but the break came when Hill's wife tipped off Pike County officials as to his involvement into the case.

Hill, Kisselburg said, has consistently denied any involvement in the theft.

However, he said, several pieces of fishing equipment were found outside of Hill's home in Cotton Shed, and another witness told officers he bought a chain saw from Hill matching the description of the won taken in the theft.

Further investigation led officers to Hogue and Sanders. Kisselburg contacted the Ouachita County Sheriff's Office and the two were picked up and brought to Nevada County.

Kisselburg said both confessed to their part in the crime.

The majority of the property taken has been recovered.

All three men have been released on bond and are scheduled to appear in court Monday, May 10.