On March 6, 2017, Deputy J.W. Hutcheson responded to a breaking and entering on Blair Road where he met a victim who explained that his Mercury 25 HP boat motor had been stolen. The motor was valued at $4500, and the victim kept it in a secured shed. Nothing else appeared to be missing. Deputy Hutcheson obtained the serial number for the motor, and the investigation began.

On March 8, Property and Pawn Specialist W.A. Emond checked local pawn shops for stolen merchandise and discovered that the stolen motor had been obtained by a local shop. Mr. Emond was told by the shop’s management that the motor had been sold the day prior. Based on the information provided by the Sheriff’s Office the pawn shop retrieved the item, and it was returned to the rightful owner.

Detective T. A. Covington was investigating the theft and met with pawn shop management. He was advised that two subjects had been involved in the transaction. A male, later identified as Jacob Powell, had originally brought the motor in to see how much money it might bring. Later in the day, Mr. Powell returned to the pawn shop accompanied by another male subject. The other male completed the transaction because Mr. Powell stated that he did not have his identification with him.

During the investigation, both men were identified, and it was quickly discovered that Jacob Powell was the son of the man who owned the boat motor. As other evidence was collected, it was revealed that Mr. Jacob Powell had recently pawned a leaf blower at the same establishment. When his father was contacted by Detective Covington, it was confirmed that he was also missing his leaf blower.

Detective Covington was provided contact information for Mr. Jacob Powell. The detective made contact with the suspect who advised, on two separate occasions, that he would turn himself into the authorities. The suspect failed to materialize. Detective Covington worked through names of known associates and friends, performed surveillance on his last known residence, and visited convenience stores that he frequented.

Jacob Powell was arrested on March 23, 2017, at approximately 11:00 AM in the area of 300 Chatham Heights Road. Mr. Powell, age 30 of Acree Avenue in Spotsylvania, VA, was charged with Grand Larceny. Other charges are anticipated as the investigation continues. Mr. Powell is incarcerated at the Rappahannock Regional Jail on no bond.