WAKEFIELD - Two men from Detroit have been arrested in connection with the theft of nearly $50 million in property stolen from across the state, including an Ontonagon County business, according to state police from the Wakefield Post.
David Ritchie, 34, and Brian Greene, 31, were recently arrested and charged in connection with several break-ins, including an incident reported at Timberline Power Sports in Bergland in the western U.P.
The two men were arrested following a multi-jurisdictional investigation downstate that began with the Down River Area Narcotic Office and the Shiawassee County Sheriff's Department. State police in West Branch, Houghton City Police, Saginaw Police and Buena Vista Police joined in the investigation, connecting the suspects to the Bergland breaking and entering.
During the execution of a search warrant on a residence in downstate Romulus, police recovered diesel tractors, lawn mowers, a recreational ATV, household appliances, boat motors, trailers and multiple outdoor equipment items.
Officials also seized numerous narcotics, approximately $18,000 in cash, and two vehicles.
Troopers from Wakefield began investigating the local sports shop break-in two weeks ago, after several outboard motors were taken from the business.
Ritchie and Greene have been lodged in the Shiawassee County Jail. Both suspects were charged with multiple felonies in Shiawassee District Court.
Law enforcement officials continue to investigate complaints received statewide to identify property owners of the items confiscated.
Additional arrests are pending in the ongoing investigation.