Man Arrested in Huron County for Multi-County Tractor Theft Ring

News Summary

Authorities in Huron County have arrested a man linked to a multi-county tractor theft ring in Michigan. Jeffery S. Nunnery, 54, faces felony charges for stealing a Massey Ferguson tractor. Two stolen tractors have been recovered, and further investigations at Nunnery’s home revealed more stolen items. The Huron County Sheriff’s Office urges tractor owners to verify their equipment’s status and remain vigilant against thefts, highlighting the ongoing security concerns within the agricultural community.

Huron County, MI – Authorities in Huron County have arrested a man involved in a multi-county tractor theft ring that has targeted various locations across Michigan. The investigation, spearheaded by the Huron County Sheriff’s Office, has successfully recovered multiple stolen vehicles, providing a sense of relief to concerned residents and tractor owners.

Jeffery S. Nunnery, a 54-year-old resident of the area, was apprehended for allegedly breaking into a shed and stealing a Massey Ferguson tractor in Rubicon Township. His arrest links him to the broader theft ring that has stolen tractors from numerous counties in the state.

So far, two stolen tractors have been recovered as part of this investigation. One of the recovered tractors is a Massey Ferguson, which was brought back by a resident who initially believed they had purchased it legitimately from Highland, MI. The second tractor, a John Deere, was discovered in the Hemlock area and was reported stolen out of Newago County.

During the search of Nunnery’s home, authorities unearthed additional items that have prompted further investigations into his activities. As a result, Nunnery faces felony charges related to the theft and is currently being held on a $25,000 cash bond.

The Huron County Sheriff’s Office is urging owners of John Deere utility tractors in mid-Michigan and statewide to verify that their equipment has not been stolen, highlighting the continued concern regarding thefts within the agricultural community. There is a belief that the stolen John Deere tractor was sold to someone in the Hemlock area, although the original owner remains unidentified as Nunnery is not cooperating with the investigation.

Notably, a stolen utility trailer from the Roscommon area was also located at Nunnery’s residence, and authorities have since notified its registered owner. This finding raises additional questions about the extent of the theft ring and potential other victims.

Huron County Sheriff Kelly Hanson has issued a warning to the community to remain vigilant and has requested anyone with information regarding the theft ring or transactions involving Nunnery to reach out to the Huron County Sheriff’s Office at 989-269-6500 or Huron Central Dispatch at 989-269-6421. The ongoing investigation aims to unravel further thefts that may be connected to this case and brings attention to the importance of community awareness regarding agricultural equipment security.

As authorities continue to delve into this case, tractor owners are encouraged to take proactive measures in ensuring the security of their property, as the theft of agricultural machinery can have significant financial impacts on local farmers and ranchers.

The discovery of this multi-county theft ring serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges facing rural communities with regard to property security. With increased awareness and cooperation from the public, law enforcement hopes to reduce the occurrence of similar crimes in the future, ensuring a safer environment for all residents.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• MLive
• Wikipedia: Tractor Theft
• MidMichigan Now
• Google Search: Tractor Theft Ring
• WNEM
• Google Scholar: Tractor Theft Investigation
• ABC12
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Tractor Security