East Cape Girardeau, Ill., man charged in connection with thefts, drug production

An East Cape Girardeau, Ill., man has been arrested on weapons and drug charges following a string of thefts in Missouri and Illinois, law enforcement officials said Thursday afternoon.

Joshua J. Kelly, 25, has been charged with eight counts of possession of stolen firearms and the unlawful production of more than 30 marijuana plants, according to Alexander County State's Attorney Jeffery Ferris.

"That's all he has at this time," Ferris said, adding that he could not comment on whether there would be more charges. "The investigation is ongoing," he said.

Kelly was arrested Tuesday night in East Cape Girardeau, allegedly in possession of stolen items from Cape Girardeau County, as well as Union and Alexander counties in Illinois.

The alleged crimes, Ferris said, were "unearthed" by Alexander County Sheriff Tim Brown.

Ferris said it is likely more arrests will follow.

Pertinent address:

East Cape Girardeau, IL