Five arrested on suspicion of looting from properties devastated by tornados
A series of arrests were made following a deadly tornados that ravaged much of Kentucky last week
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Five people have been arrested in the wake of last week’s deadly Kentucky tornados, after allegedly looting and stealing objects such as cars, copper wire and even Ugg boots.
Among those arrested were 29-year-old Kaitlyn Moore and 52-year-old Linda Morris, who both – it is claimed – stole cars. The latter also stands accused of stealing copper wiring, Ugg boots, and was allegedly found in possession of meth.
In addition, Graves County police detained Kevin Stowe, 55, who was allegedly seen driving with a stolen licence plate while carrying more than $120,000 in cash. Ronnie White and Lynne Baily are also said to have unlawfully taken an automobile.
As The Daily Mail reports, Graves County sheriff’s deputies caught the alleged thieves on Friday after receiving reports of ‘suspicious activity’ near the Mayfield candle factory that was battered by the tornado.
Police stated that the suspects were rummaging through personal property and loading items into stolen vehicles. Many of these vehicles were owned by people who were displaced, hospitalised, or killed in the storm – at the intersection of Pritchett Road and US Highway 45 South.
The “full force of the law will be brought against anyone who tries to take advantage of Kentuckians,” Attorney General Daniel Cameron announced in a press release.
State Governor Andy Beshear warned last Friday against looting in damaged areas, calling the action “despicable”, while pledging that those “found guilty would be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law”.
The death toll from the unprecedentedly lethal tornados on December 10th currently stands at 93 across five states, which includes 78 fatalities in Kentucky alone, according to ABC News.
Emergency measures have been put in place by the local authorities, who have increased state police patrols in areas that were heavily affected.
According to the emergency declaration, those who do not reside or have a legitimate reason to be in Graves Country are not permitted to be in the area.
A further six people were arrested in the county for alleged looting, alongside the aforementioned five suspects. Similar arrests were made in Caldwell Country, where state authorities caught four Michigan men removing items from damaged homes, Attorney General Daniel Cameron stated earlier this week.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments