LISA HOBBS - News Editor
A local man has been charged in a theft of $15,000 worth of tools and equipment from Sequatchie Valley Electric Company trucks in Altamont.
Joseph Tyler Green has been charged with three counts of burglary of a vehicle and one count of theft of property over $10,000. According to Grundy County Sheriff’s Office, additional charges may be considered as the investigation continues and recovered property is identified.
The following was placed on the department’s Facebook page:
“Following a tip from a member of the community, the Grundy County Sheriff’s Office began following up on information related to the theft of tools and equipment from the Sequatchie Valley Electric Company.
“Through the course of the investigation, investigators identified Joseph Tyler Green of McMinnville as a suspect. Investigators with the Grundy County Sheriff’s Office conducted undercover investigative operations and, based on information developed during the investigation, obtained a search warrant for a residence in Warren County.
“During the execution of the search warrant, Joseph Tyler Green was taken into custody. Investigators also recovered multiple items believed to be associated with thefts involving different electric companies,” a statement placed on the department’s Facebook page.
SVEC posted to its Facebook page:
“We’re thankful to share that the [alleged] perpetrator responsible for the recent theft of approximately $15,000 worth of tools and equipment from SVEC trucks in Altamont has been identified and taken into custody. Some of the stolen items have been recovered.
“A huge thank you to Grundy County Sheriff Virgil McNeece and his staff for their diligent work investigating this case and apprehending the individual [allegedly] responsible. We greatly appreciate their quick response, persistence, and continued service to our community.
“We also want to thank everyone who shared our original post, provided information, and helped spread the word. We are grateful for a community that continues to look out for one another.”
Green’s first court appearance is slated for Oct. 8 at 9 a.m. He is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.