Knoxville, IL – Deputies in Knox County recovered more than $50,000 worth of stolen construction tools and arrested two suspects after a burglary outside Victoria on September 19.
According to the Knox County Sheriff’s Office, the burglary involved an enclosed trailer and a flatbed trailer filled with tools and materials. Detectives later tracked several of the stolen items to a residence on Beecher Avenue in Galesburg, where two suspects were allegedly hiding. Both were taken into custody after a search warrant was executed.
Investigators reported that all stolen tools and materials were recovered, along with two trailers. Deputies also located a vehicle allegedly used during the theft, which itself had been reported stolen in a separate case. That vehicle was returned to its rightful owner. Some tools were also found abandoned and burned in remote areas of Knox County, according to authorities.
The suspects were identified as Rebecca Muckey, 37, and Luke Simkins, 39, both of Galesburg. Each faces charges of theft between $10,000–$100,000, theft between $500–$10,000, possession of stolen property, possession of methamphetamine, and arson.
Sheriff Jack Harlan commended deputies for their swift recovery of the stolen property and the arrests. Authorities emphasized that all individuals are considered innocent until proven guilty in court.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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