By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT
Hays Post
An investigation started by the WaKeeney Police Department into a 2024 incident led to more than 42 charges filed against seven individuals in Trego County last month.
According to information from the Trego County Attorney, Abraham Pfannenstiel, police in WaKeeney received the report of a stolen firearm during a vehicle burglary on Nov. 7, 2024.
Pfannenstiel said evidence from the burglary led to other criminal investigations in Trego, Ness, Ellis and Russell counties.
According to Pfannenstiel, it also led to information on the burglary and suspected arson at a Collyer home in August 2024.
The same individuals are suspects in reports of people turning off the power to homes in WaKeeney in December 2024.
Pfannenstiel charged the seven individuals in Trego County District Court on April 21.
Five of the seven charged are juveniles.
Dakota Justice Wilson has been charged with theft of a firearm, interference with law enforcement, drug possession, possession of drug paraphernalia, and minor in possession of alcohol and tobacco.
David Allen Sinclair was charged with racketeering, theft of a firearm, theft and drug possession.
The names, ages and hometowns of the juveniles who have been charged have not been released by the Trego County Attorney’s office.
The complete list of charges filed against the seven individuals can be found below:
• Five counts of racketeering—severity level 2 person felony
• Three counts of aggravated arson—severity level 3 person felony
• Two counts of vehicle burglary to steal firearm—severity level 5 nonperson felony
• Five counts of theft of a firearm—severity level 9 nonperson felony
• One count of interference with law enforcement officer—severity level 9 nonperson felony
• One count of interference with law enforcement officer—class A nonperson misdemeanor
• One count of unlawful transmission of visual depiction of a child—Class A person misdemeanor
• 10 counts of criminal deprivation of property—class A nonperson misdemeanor
• One count of unlawful possession of a visual depiction of child—class B person misdemeanor
• Two counts of attempted theft—class B nonperson misdemeanor
• Four counts of possession of marijuana—class B nonperson misdemeanor
• Three counts of possession of drug paraphernalia—class B nonperson misdemeanor
• Two counts of minor in possession of alcohol—class C nonperson misdemeanor
• Two counts of minor in possession of tobacco—tobacco infraction
Wilson and Sinclair are due in court for a first appearance on May 21.