2 men arrested in multi-state heavy equipment theft ring, more arrests expected

Two men have been arrested in connection with the theft of large equipment, including excavators and other heavy machinery. More arrests are expected.

According to police, Chambers County officers responded to a GPS signal of a stolen excavator near SH-99 and Interstate 10 in Chambers County on June 7. Along with investigators from the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office, they were able to trace the suspect vehicle to 39-year-old Jimmy McGee of Mont Belvieu. Officers found another excavator on McGee’s trailer that had had its VIN removed and had a freshly painted arm, further increasing their suspicions.

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When investigators interviewed McGee at his home, they found inconsistencies in his statement about his whereabouts the night of the theft. Authorities say the excavator was seized for further examination and positive identification. On June 10, investigators, with assistance from auto theft detectives, confirmed that the second excavator had been reported stolen in Beaumont. Police say search warrants executed in and around Chambers County resulted in the recovery of several stolen items, primarily from the Beaumont area.

Investigators identified James Mason, 38, of Baytown, as McGee’s main accomplice. The investigation revealed that McGee, Mason and other accomplices scouted equipment from east Houston to west Louisiana during the day and transported it to Chambers County at night. They then altered the identity of the items and sold them below market value.

To date, investigators have recovered $347,000 worth of stolen equipment, including excavators, skid steers, trailers and tractors. Warrants have been issued for McGee and Mason on multiple felony charges, and both men are currently being held in the Chambers County Sheriff’s Office Jail.

Jimmy McGee faces several charges, including illegal possession of a firearm by a felon, for which bail was set at $50,000, tampering with an identification number, for which bail was set at $15,000, and engaging in organized crime – theft of property, for which bail was set at $300,000.

James Mason is charged with involvement in organized crime – theft of property – and bail is set at $300,000.

This case remains under investigation and more arrests are expected. Anyone who has stolen construction equipment or trailers in southeast Texas or western Louisiana is asked to email Lieutenant Tanner Dickens at [email protected] with details of the theft.

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