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| Five Pistols Found in Jail Auto Shop |
| By The Morning News |
| Published: 10/13/2003 |
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Detectives with the Benton County, Ark. Sheriff's Office discovered five pistols hidden in the jail's auto shop last week. Sheriff Keith Ferguson said investigators found the guns on the third search of the shop, after it was discovered the guns were missing from the evidence locker in the jail compound. The stolen guns were apparently taken by three inmates who authorities believe broke into the evidence locker Sunday. Authorties do not believe any weapons got out of the jail compound. The inmates, Jeffrey Lynn Richardson, 41, of Bella Vista, Brandon Joseph Longo, 32, of Rogers, and Michael Raymond Schneipp, 32, of Bella Vista were arrested Tuesday after jailers discovered a small amount of methamphetamine and marijuana missing was from the evidence locker. After an extensive search of the jail and the compound, the drugs were found in the auto repair shop. Ferguson said the prisoners were trusties, and worked in the auto shop washing cars, doing oil changes, and helping the mechanic. The alleged thieves were able to peel back the sheet metal wall on the evidence locker building, and steal the drugs and guns, said Ferguson. A detective checking the evidence in the locker against a master log noticed the guns were missing, and a third search of the auto shop was performed. Ferguson said the shop is a big building, and there are a lot of nooks and crannies in which to hide contraband. He said the investigation is continuing, and all evidence has to be inventoried to see if anything else is missing. The sheriff said work has started on making the evidence locker more secure, and "a lot harder to get into." The three suspects were arrested last Tuesday for possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, breaking and or entering, tampering with evidence and furnishing prohibited articles. Ferguson said that, as soon as the investigation is complete, the three inmates will face more charges. |
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