Stoddard County man arrested for stealing gas from Scott County farm

BENTON, Mo. -- Scott County Sheriff Rick Walter said Sunday in a news release that a 38-year-old Stoddard County man is in custody following the theft of gas from Scott County farm early Sunday morning.

Shawn William Yount, 38, 25071 Plum St., Bell City, Mo., has been charged with three counts of misdemeanor stealing, with a bond set at $1,000 cash only.

According to Walter, the suspect went to a farm on Route W, near Oran, Mo., about 1 a.m. Sunday and took gasoline from a gasoline bulk tank at the farm shop building. During the course of the investigation, Yount admitted to having stolen gas from the same farm on three prior occasions, police said.

Walter said with rising gas prices, thefts are also on the rise.

"We have augmented regular patrol units, with senior staff members and sheriff's reserve deputies, who donate an evening or two a week to help look for these thieves," Walter said.

Walter also said everyone could help themselves and the sheriff's department by locking their vehicles at night, securing their gasoline supplies and lighting areas where bulk gas storage facilities are located.