By By Kerry Whipple Bean
publisher
A Riverview man wanted in connection with a theft ring involving more than $300,000 worth of merchandise was captured last week, Escambia County sheriff’s officials said.
Mark Anthony Harrison, 38, of Mayflower Lane, was arrested Monday in an apartment in Santa Rosa County, Chief Deputy Mike Lambert said.
An anonymous tip led authorities to Harrison, who had pending warrants for receiving stolen property in Escambia County and in Florida. Harrison was reportedly hiding under some covers when he was found in the apartment.
Two weeks ago, sheriff’s department investigators uncovered a cache of stolen property, including four-wheelers, trailers, motorcycles and even a motor home. The property had been stolen from Santa Rosa County, Fla., Baldwin County, and Escambia County, Fla.
Harrison remained in custody in Santa Rosa County as of last week.
Items recovered at several residences during the investigation included a Harley Davidson motorcyle that had been stripped; the 2004 Fleetwood motor home; a 26-foot enclosed vehicle hauler; an 18-foot utility trailer; an 8-foot utility trailer; and a Kawasaki dirt bike.
Authorities said Harrison bartered for many of the items with people rather than selling them. Several people who had the stolen property are cooperating with authorities in the investigation.
A grand jury convened last week was expected to consider indictments against Harrison in Escambia County.