Sheriff Scott Montgomery reports that approximately $20,000.00 worth of railroad rails and joint bars were stolen sometime between December 29, 2010 and January 12, 2011, when it was reported to the Sheriff's dispatch operator.

Deputy Terry Payne was dispatched to Casa in the area of North Broadway and the railroad tracks belonging to Little Rock and Western railroad on January 12, 2011 to meet with Paul Allen Roberts of LR & W to take a report on stolen property.

Roberts advised that approximately 30 steel rails and 60 steel joint bars were missing and the items were last seen on December 29, 2010 in Casa next to the railroad tracks.  He stated that each rail weights approximately 1,300 pounds with a length of 39 feet.  Each rail has a number stamped on it.

Roberts' supervisor, Richard Lee Brown, advised that there is a $500.00 reward leading to the arrest and conviction of the party or parties involved.

Criminal Investigator ray L. Byrd was sent to the scene to gather evidence.  He states that  in his investigation he learned by questioning local residents that the theft occurred during the day; that witnesses had seen a backhoe being used to load the items onto a flatbed trailer before being hauled away.  Thinking it was the railroad company doing the moving, no one thought it is suspicious.

Steve Hasty of Ola, AR has been arrested and charged with class "B" Felony Theft.  Hasty is being held in the Perry County Detention Center.  Bond has not been set yet.  Warrants have been issued for a 2nd suspect.