By By Lisa Tindell
news editor
The long arm of the law is reaching  out from Pascagoula, Miss., in search of a Brewton man wanted on embezzlement charges.
Jackson County Sheriff’s officials have issued a warrant for the arrest of Brewton resident Memphis Shane Riddle, who has been accused of embezzling from the Chevron refinery located in the Mississippi-coast community.
Sgt. Robert Blocker with the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department said Tuesday the warrant for Riddle was issued last week.
Blocker said an investigation into years-long thefts at the refinery has turned attention to Riddle, an employee with Louisiana-based Triad Electric and Controls, Inc.
Blocker said Riddle is believed to have sought the help of co-workers in taking stainless steel fittings used at the refinery and removing them from the work site.
Also arrested in connection with the thefts was David Randall Goff, 36, of Saraland, Blocker said. Two others arrested were not identified due to their cooperation in the investigation.
The investigation is also being monitored by members of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Blocker said.
The thefts are believed to have taken place over a five- to eight-year period, Blocker said. “We have learned through the investigation that Riddle is believed to have taken the stolen fittings and repackaged them to sell to other companies,” Blocker said. “The items were sold to businesses in Pensacola, Fla., and Ponchatoula, La. Our investigation tells us this has been going on as far back as 2005.”
Escambia County Sheriff Grover Smith said local authorities would be helping with the search.
Blocker said additional charges are pending against Riddle including receiving stolen property.
Other arrests are also expected in the case, he said.