BY ANNIE HOLLER
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

DEBORD — The theft of propane tanks from the Dollar General in Debord led to the arrest of a Martin County man early Dec. 10. Authorities say they located the stolen merchandise, an illegal burn pile and counterfeit currency on a private property along Davella Road.

Martin County Sheriff John Kirk responded before 5 a.m. to a report of two people in a maroon Chevrolet truck removing propane tanks and a propane cage from the store. He soon located the truck, the stolen items and Lonnie Jude, 49, of Pilgrim, at 225 Davella Road.

When authorities arrived, Jude was reportedly burning plastic-coated copper and old clothing, an activity prohibited under state air-quality regulations.

Officers recovered five full propane tanks, 14 empty tanks and the propane cage, which the sheriff estimated was worth $1,100.

Jude reportedly also had 12 $100 bills of “prop money,” Sheriff Kirk said.

According to the police report, Jude previously lived at the Davella Road property but had been told multiple times not to return.

Jude faces charges of third-degree criminal trespassing, receiving stolen property valued between $1,000 and $10,000, violation of air pollution standards and rules and third-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument.

He remains lodged in the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center.