Macomb, IL – A 35-year-old Vermont man has been charged after approximately 200 gallons of gasoline were allegedly stolen from a rural McDonough County farmer.
According to the McDonough County Sheriff’s Office, deputies investigated the reported theft over the past two weeks in rural New Salem Township. The complainant reported that fuel had been taken from storage barrels on their property. Authorities said video evidence helped identify a suspect.
On Tuesday, February 17, Curtis E. Yazvec, 35, of Vermont, Illinois, voluntarily met with detectives at the Sheriff’s Office and allegedly admitted to stealing the fuel, according to Sheriff Nicholas M. Petitgout.
Yazvec was charged with theft over $500 and was processed and later released with a court date by McDonough County Jail staff. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
The Sheriff’s Office stated that the investigation remains ongoing and that additional arrests are possible.
Officials also reminded residents that rural properties can be vulnerable to theft and emphasized the role of video surveillance in assisting investigations.
Fuel theft can have significant financial impacts for farmers and agricultural operations, particularly during peak operational seasons.
Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact the McDonough County Sheriff’s Office.
