Franklin County law enforcement bust multi-county tractor theft ring

The Franklin County Sheriff’s office and the Carrabelle police department have made three arrests in a tractor theft ring that covered 4 counties and included over 125 thousand dollars in equipment.

Authorities have charged  Brandon Atkinson of Franklin County and Joshua Martin of Wakulla County with14 felonies related to the theft of tractor equipment.

Martin is a correctional officer in Wakulla County.

Ralph Pigott of Wakulla County has been charged with tampering with evidence.

The three could face additional charges as the investigation continues.

The investigation began on October the 7th after Carrabelle Police Officer Gary Hunnings and Franklin County Sheriff’s Deputy Lt. Garrett Creamer discovered what appeared to be evidence that a tractor had been stolen.

That led officers to a large Kubota Tractor hidden in a wooded area, which was put under surveillance.

Mr. Atkinson and Mr. Martin loaded the tractor onto a trailer and left, at which time the two men were stopped and questioned.

The investigation uncovered several thefts of heavy equipment from Franklin County as well as Wakulla, Gadsden, and Bay Counties.

Deputies have since recovered more than $127,000 in stolen equipment.

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