Pittsfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – A Springfield man is under arrest in Pike County, accused of being part of an “organized theft” operation that involved several counties in Illinois and Missouri.

The Pike County Sheriffs Department says Richard Wilson, 47, was arrested last week on charges including Theft Over $10,000, and a warrant out of Missouri.

“Between April 28 and July 22, 2025, the Pike County Sheriff’s Department received multiple reports of stolen property from locations throughout the county,” said a statement from the sheriffs department. “Items reported stolen included side-by-side utility vehicles, dirt bikes, zero-turn mowers, and utility trailers taken from both residential and commercial properties in communities including Baylis, Barry, Hull, Rockport, Pleasant Hill, and Pittsfield.”

The thefts are believed to be connected to others in several other Illinois and Missouri counties.

A search of a Springfield home allegedly turned up items used in the thefts.

“The arrest of this suspect represents a significant turning point in a complex, multi-jurisdictional investigation,” said Chief Deputy Zack Orr, in a statement. “We anticipate additional arrests and charges as the investigation continues.”

Wilson is being held in the Pike County Jail