Off Duty Deputy Thwarts Railroad Theft
August 29, 2008
On August 28th 2008, at approximately 0800 hours, off duty Wayne County Deputy Sheriff Charles Everett observed an individual removing metal parts from the railroad near Bates Street. Deputy Everett contacted Investigator Kevin Stevens. Deputy Everett and Investigator Stevens apprehended Montrell Powe on the tracks and observed ten anchor plates and rail road spikes that had been recently removed stacked alongside the tracks. It is believed that the items were being taken to be sold for scrap metal. WPD Officers Jimmy Bunch and Todd McCaskey responded to the scene and assisted in the investigation.
Investigator Stevens and Ast. Chief Bunch contacted Meridian Southern Railway General Manager Ricky Jacobs and MDOT Railway Investigator Daniel Johnson. Meridian Southern Railway immediately dispatched an inspection crew. General Manager Ricky Jackobs said, “Meridian Southern Railway will prosecute anyone caught stealing items on Meridian Southern Railway property regardless of the value as well as people trespassing on Meridian Southern Railway Property to the fullest extent of the law.”
Investigator Stevens charged Powe with petit larceny and trespassing. MDOC Officer Carl Monk placed a probation violation hold on Powe.
U P D A T E
Montrell Powe appeared in Wayne County Justice Court Thursday, September 4th 2008, to answer the trespassing and petit larceny charges. County Attorney Curtis Bates prosecuted the case. Judge Charles Britton Sr. heard evidence and testimony during a brief trial. Judge Britton found Powe guilty and sentenced Powe to serve a 6 month sentence and $274.00 fine for the trespassing charge and to serve an additional 6 months sentence and a $274.00 fine for the petit larceny charge. Powe remains in the Wayne County Jail serving this sentence and awaits action of a Circuit Court Probation Violation Warrant.