Arrests in Kentucky
Authorities in Laurel County, Kentucky, have arrested two suspects accused of running a multi-state theft scheme involving stolen construction equipment valued at more than $185,000.
Dushon Sheperd, 34, of Michigan, and Bria Parks, 23, of Washington, D.C., were taken into custody late last month. Both face charges of receiving stolen property after investigators recovered several pieces of heavy machinery linked to thefts in Virginia and Maryland.
How the Scheme Unfolded
The investigation began on August 13, when a 2018 Caterpillar D5K bulldozer—valued at $65,000—was reported stolen from a Fairfax County, Virginia, construction site. Authorities say the theft was carried out under the pretense that the machine needed routine maintenance. Just two days later, the bulldozer resurfaced in Laurel County, where it was sold to a business using falsified identification documents.
From there, the case widened. Police began tracking additional suspicious equipment transactions and set up an undercover operation to intercept the suspects.
Undercover Sting Operation
On August 29, investigators arranged a controlled meeting with Sheperd and Parks, who were attempting to sell more stolen machinery. According to police, the suspects were transporting a Caterpillar 259 skid steer, valued at $47,000, and a Caterpillar 308 excavator, worth about $73,000. Both machines had been reported stolen in Maryland.
When the pair appeared confused about the delivery location, officers pulled them over. At that point, they were arrested without incident, and the stolen equipment was seized.
Unanswered Questions
While police have confirmed that the stolen bulldozer came from Virginia and the skid steer and excavator from Maryland, details remain unclear about how exactly the Maryland thefts occurred. Investigators have not yet disclosed whether the machines were taken from construction sites, storage facilities, or dealerships.
Officials also have not provided further information about whether additional suspects may have been involved, or whether the recovered equipment has been returned to its rightful owners.
Legal Fallout
Sheperd faces additional legal trouble beyond the Kentucky charges. He has also been indicted in Fairfax County, Virginia, and is awaiting extradition to face those charges. Parks currently faces state charges in Kentucky, though more charges could be forthcoming as the investigation continues across multiple jurisdictions.
The Bigger Picture
Construction equipment theft is a growing issue nationwide. Because heavy machinery often lacks GPS tracking, thieves can transport and resell equipment across state lines with relative ease. The high resale value of bulldozers, excavators, and skid steers makes them attractive targets for organized theft rings.
Authorities in Kentucky say the recent bust underscores the importance of cooperation among law enforcement agencies across state borders. The case involved coordination between police in Fairfax County, Virginia, law enforcement in Maryland, and Laurel County deputies.
What Comes Next
Investigators are still piecing together the broader scope of the theft ring. More details about how the Maryland equipment was stolen are expected to emerge in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, both Sheperd and Parks remain in custody as their cases move forward.
Law enforcement officials have urged construction companies to take extra precautions, including securing machinery, keeping detailed records of serial numbers, and considering advanced tracking technology to help combat future thefts.
Leave a Reply