Property crimes detectives have a suspect in custody and are asking the public to help them track down a second person who has been linked through investigation to one of the largest thefts in Bradley County in a number of years.
Both suspects have been charged with a class A felony, theft over $250,000, under a statute enacted this year by the General Assembly that went into effect on July 1.
Myrtie Franklin Keith III, a.k.a. “Bubba”, 32, and Keith A. Clark, 37, are believed to be the first to be charged under the new statute that carries a minimum term of 15 years in prison.
The two have been implicated in the theft of a generator, electrical wiring and household goods from 541 Bucks Pocket Road.
On Sept. 11, the Bradley County Sheriff’s Office was contacted to begin an investigation into the theft of a $30,000 power generator, two heating and air conditioning units, and the stripping of electrical wiring from the interior walls of an unoccupied residential structure. The theft occurred sometime after Aug. 1, and resulted in a loss of $260,000.
Keith was arrested Monday morning at the Bradley County Judicial Center on warrants for theft and aggravated burglary. He is being held without bond pending a court appearance on Tuesday.
Clark, who is Keith’s cousin, is being sought for the same offenses. The sheriff’s office has authorized a reward of up to $250 for information leading to his arrest.
He is described as a white male, balding, who is known to have facial hair at times. He has several Chattanooga and Bradley County addresses and could be driving a mid 1990’s extended cab full size GMC or Chevrolet pickup truck. It is black with gray trim and displays Georgia license, BYR – 2407.
Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to contact the Bradley County Sheriff’s Office by calling 911 or 728-7336, or the nearest law enforcement agency.
As part of the investigation detectives have been able to recover the generator. They wish to acknowledge the assistance of Keasler Salvage Company for its cooperation which greatly enhanced the success of this investigation.
Myrtie Franklin Keith III