LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — A tip from a concerned citizen led southern Indiana deputies to uncover an "intricate" multi-county theft ring.
Cory Smith and Richard Howard, of Scottsburg, were arrested July 11 on multiple theft and drug charges, Scott County Sheriff Jerry Goodin said Thursday in a Facebook post.
Goodin said a tip led deputies to a stolen truck in rural Scott County on July 10. From there, deputies were able to uncover a "complex" and "intricate" multi-county theft ring.
The theft ring allegedly targeted properties owned by citizens who had recently passed, abandoned properties, or properties where a homeowner or tenant would be away for a period of time, Goodin said.
Through their investigation, deputies served search warrants in Scott, Washington and Clark counties. Those searches uncovered several cars and trucks, a trailer, two ATVs, three guns and several hundred tools and household items allegedly stolen by Smith and Howard.
Smith, 32, was charged with six counts of burglary, eight counts of theft greater than $750, five counts of theft less than $750, possession of methamphetamine, possession of paraphernalia and maintaining a common nuisance.
Howard, 36, was charged with burglary, four counts of theft greater than $750, two counts of theft less than $750, possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana and maintaining a common nuisance.
"This investigation is another example of how law enforcement, when working in conjunction with the citizens they serve, puts criminals on notice that if you commit crime in a community that embraces 'community-oriented policing,' you will be discovered and held accountable," Goodin said.
Smith is being held at the Scott County Jail. Online jail records indicate Howard posted bond and was released Thursday.
Copyright 2026 WDRB Media. All Rights Reserved.
