ADAMS, Tenn. (WKRN) — A man accused of stealing valuable timber from at least two Robertson County farms and floating them down the Red River for profit is now behind bars facing several charges, officials said.
The Robertson County Sheriff’s Office said their Agriculture Crimes Unit arrested 44-year-old Ricky Shearon Winn for the theft of Black Walnut timber.
According to officials, an investigation began after a detective received a report on Feb. 5 about timber that was stolen from a farm along the Red River. During the investigation, a second farm along the river also reported that they had timber stolen.
Detectives reportedly determined that Winn cut the trees down and pulled them to the Red River with a wench. From there, officials said he would float the trees down the river at night to a TWRA boat ramp in Adams.
While in Adams, Winn would then load the trees on a trailer and take them to Clarksville, where they were sold to a lumber dealer.
“One of our victims planted those Black Walnut trees 30 years ago when he first purchased the farm to provide retirement income for himself and his family,” said Sheriff Michael Van Dyke. “They are now gone. It is deplorable that someone would not only violate and steal someone’s property but also take away their livelihood. These types of actions have no place in our county and will not be tolerated. I am thankful for our Agricultural Crimes Unit that are dedicated to working crimes against our hardworking farmers.”
Winn was arrested on Monday, March 10 and taken to the Robertson County Detention Facility. He was charged with two counts of theft of property over $2,500, two counts of vandalism and two counts of criminal trespass.
Those along the Red River who feel they may have been a victim of the crime is asked to contact Agricultural Crimes Detective Terry Morris at 615-382-6288.
