On April 11, deputies responded to a burglary in the Grandview Estates area of Strunk, Kentucky. K9 Deputy Chris Carter and Deputy Daniel Taylor investigated after the homeowner reported several stolen items, including a gun safe containing approximately 15 firearms and a Yamaha Raptor quad racer.
On April 13, the Sheriff’s Office followed up on information obtained during an unrelated theft investigation. Chief Deputy Dustin Ridner, Sheriff David Sampson, K9 Deputy Chris Carter, and K9 Deputy Alex Jones arrived at a residence on East Williamsburg Street in Whitley City. Upon arrival, they observed the stolen Yamaha Raptor in the driveway.
During the investigation, a private citizen provided information regarding a stolen riding lawn mower. The mower was located under the back deck of the residence and returned to its rightful owner.
The homeowner granted deputies permission to search the residence. Inside:
In the basement, Chief Deputy Ridner located four rifles/shotguns.
In the kitchen, K9 Deputy Alex Jones found an AR-15 rifle leaning against a wall in plain view.
In a bedroom, K9 Deputy Chris Carter recovered an antique flintlock-style pistol from beneath a loveseat.
Additional items recovered included stolen tools and a dirt bike helmet.
James P. Cotner (JP Cotner) was arrested and charged with:
Five counts of Receiving Stolen Property (Firearms)
One count of Receiving Stolen Property ($1,000 to $10,000)
Further investigation led to the execution of a search warrant at a residence on Carl Lane in the Stearns community. Deputies Daniel Taylor, K9 Alex Jones, and Chief Deputy Dustin Ridner recovered three additional rifles/shotguns.
As a result:
Jack Williams was arrested and charged with three counts of Receiving Stolen Property (Firearms).
Dylan Worley was arrested and charged with three counts of Receiving Stolen Property (Firearms).
