(WRIC) — A year-long, multi-county larceny investigation concluded in Buckingham County this week with the arrest of 55-year-old Austin Maurice Yowell.
Yowell is connected to various thefts that have occurred since May 2014 into hunting cabins, vacation homes, and absentee land owners in the Counties of Appomattox, Buckingham, Campbell, Charlotte, Cumberland, and Prince Edward. Mr. Yowell is facing numerous criminal charges in connection to these thefts, including misdemeanors and felonies, and is being held without bond at the Piedmont Regional Jail in Farmville, Virginia.
The earliest known theft occurred in Prince Edward County in May 2014 and continued until his arrest on November 10th when Special Agent Timothy Cox with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles apprehended Mr. Yowell on Tower Hill Road in the Toga area of Buckingham County. Mr. Yowell was found driving his 1997 Ford F-250 two-tone truck that links him to thefts in Buckingham and neighboring counties. A prior traffic stop by a Campbell County Sheriff’s deputy assisted investigators in identifying Mr. Yowell as the suspect in these thefts.
“Mr. Yowell was finally brought to justice and will be reprimanded for his actions,” Buckingham County Sheriff W.G.”Billy” Kidd said in a statement. “This investigation is a true testament to area investigators coming together and collaborating to solve such a far reaching crime spree. Their efforts reflect dedication and commitment to solving crime and protecting our communities no matter the geographical boundaries.”
The investigation is on-going and the public is asked to call with any information that is known about Mr. Yowell or his truck. Investigators would like to identify where Mr. Yowell may have lived and worked in the area. Please contact the Buckingham County Sheriff’s Office at 434-969-1772 with any tips that may assist in the investigation.
