Two charged in multi-state theft case

By ALAN EDRINN

Hundreds of thousands of dollars in stolen property was recovered during a multi-state theft investigation by the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office.

The property, which includes two 2008 Dodge pickup trucks, two ATV four-wheelers and four large boats and trailers, was recovered during a search of a residence and three storage units following the arrest of Mark A. Wright, 48, of Leland. Wright is charged with 23 felonies and is being held on $2 million dollar bond at DeKalb County Jail.

Some items recovered in the investigation have not been identified or retraced to the proper owner, said Kevin Hickey, DeKalb County chief deputy. The stolen items have been taken from Illinois, Iowa and Missouri, and the storage units were found in LaSalle and Lee counties.

During the search of Wright’s home, Wright’s mother, Sandra L. Seabright, 67, of Leland was arrested and charged with aggravated possession of a stolen vehicle, possession of a stolen motor vehicle and forgery. Seabright is being held on a $500,000 bond in DeKalb County Jail.

Hickey could not comment if Seabright and Wright were working together and did not know further details of their relationship.

The case is still being investigated by the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office, DeKalb County States Attorney’s Office, the Illinois Secretary of State Police and the Missouri Highway Patrol.

Stolen property recovered:

• Two 2008 Dodge pickup trucks

• Two ATV 4-wheelers

• Four large boats and trailers

• Various trailers ranging from enclosed cargo haulers to heavy flat bed equipment trailers

• John Deere lawn mower

• Kubota tractor

• A large assortment of hand and power tools