Charges have been dismissed for one of nine plant workers, while other felony cases alleging they stole outdoor furniture from their employer proceed in Pittsburg County District Court.
Julie Christy Walters, 27, of rural McAlester, had been charged with larceny of merchandise from a retailer, the Webcoat plant where she had worked making plastic-coated outdoor tables, seats and other furnishings. The charges against Walters were dismissed earlier this month by prosecutors.
Eight former employees remain charged in the case, with a preliminary hearing scheduled for only one, Jackie Elaine Courts, 39, of McAlester. Her hearing is set for Feb. 24 before Special Judge Donita Wynn.
So far, the amount of property stolen in the theft ring has totaled about $20,000 in tables, trash receptacles and other outdoor furnishings manufactured by Webcoat.
The stolen furnishings were found at several homes in McAlester, Eufaula, Arpelar and other areas, and at least one business in Alderson. Some had been dumped in ditches as police moved in.
A court affidavit indicates police spoke with several workers and people who had purchased tables from employees. One employee allegedly traded a 1973 pickup truck for five tables, and another paid $100 for a table.
“A lot of this came out one part at a time,” said Webcoat owner Robert Webb, describing how the furniture was taken from the plant without being detected.
Court dates to schedule preliminary hearings continue for seven others who have been arrested in the case: Kyle Kirkpatrick, 27, Jorge Perez, 29, James Edward Brown, 51, and Patrick Earl Warren, 41, all of McAlester; Melvin Lon Brown, 41, of Eufaula; David W. Lawson, 36, of Krebs; and Keith Creekmore, 48, of Checotah.
An eighth defendant in the case remains at large.
The company, which employs about 100 workers, opened in 1991 and manufactures outdoor furniture with a special weather-resistant coating. The firm’s business transactions came to about $20 million last year, Webb said.
Webb has made some changes, including increasing security at the plant. He is are also happy to have some of the property back.
He hopes area buyers will think twice when approached about a “good deal” on a table.
“The community needs to know what (can happen) when they buy stolen property,” Webb said. “I think this has been going on for more than two years.”
Contact Kandra Wells at kwells@mcalesternews.com.
Local News
One charge dismissed in Webcoat case
- Local News
-
-
Shelter Documentary
On Thursdaythe Good Samaritan Outreach Shelter for Men was featured in a documentary by the First United Methodist Church in McAlester. Pictured from left is Thursday. Pictured from left is Chris Symes associate pastor of the First Methodist Church, Stephen LeFlore shelter director and Bill Derichsweiler shelter treasurer.
-
Man involved with recent meth lab explosion pleads guilty
A McAlester man who was recently involved with a local meth lab explosion pleaded guilty Friday in Pittsburg County District Court.
-
McAlester sets first-ever TEAM meet
Something new is in store for McAlester — a meeting to bring together many of the major organizations in the city.
-
McAlester's Make a Difference Day project is finalist for award
McAlester’s Make a Difference Day project was recently selected as a finalist for this year’s “Encore,” award, which was just renamed the “All-Star Award.”
-
All Saints' Episcopal to hold craft and chocolate sale
The men and women of All Saints’ Episcopal Church are hand-crafting goodies and gifts for the community to purchase for a loved one this Valentine’s Day.
-
Rowe seeks road less-traveled
Dustin Rowe believes he’s taking the road less traveled — at least among the current slate of Republican Second District Congressional candidates.
-
Local hotel guests charged with child abuse
A couple that was staying at a local hotel have been arrested and charged with child abuse.
-
OSP names officer/supervisor of year for 2011
The Oklahoma State Penitentiary recently released the names of their 2011 employees of the year.
-
Eufaula housekeeper accused of theft
A Eufaula housekeeper has been accused of stealing checks from a home in Longtown and forging them to buy groceries, gas and pay an electric bill.
-
Okla. investigators offer reward in double killing
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information about the deaths of two men in Pittsburg County more than a year ago.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Obama Gives Education Waivers to 10 States
Giffords Aide to Run for Her Seat
LA School in Sex Abuse Scandal Reopens
Winter Slamming North Asia, Parts of Europe
Syrian Forces Renew Bombardment of Homs
States, Banks Reach Foreclosure-abuse Settlement
Raw Video: Italy's Mount Etna Bursts Into Life
Greeks March; Angry Despite Debt Deal
Raw Video: U.S. Pullout Celebration
Raw Video: Annual Empire State Building Run-Up
Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout
Video of Ga. Man Who Killed Girl Released
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
Ga Girl Fights Off Kidnapper at Walmart
Nevada Highway Patrol, City Settle Beating Case
Homs Bombardment Continues, Global Outcry Grows
Raw Video: Dog Rescued From Icy Colo. Water
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
Osama Bin Laden Zombie Movie: "Osombie" Teaser Released
Thomas' moratorium: 'I'm out, peace'
NASCAR Drive for Diversity
VS Model Quits Over Religion
Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week 2012
Androgynous Model Walks Runway As Man and Woman
Khloe Kardashian Responds to O.J. Rumors
SportsTalk Live: Most hated athletes - 2/8
Louis Vuitton Condoms?!
Tiger Woods 13: Legacy mode
Michelle Obama vs. Jimmy Fallon
Buffalo Barges Into Car
Has Iceland’s Nessie shown itself?
Brady-ing is Latest Internet Meme
Beyonce Is Sexy in Sequins
Mo. Teen Gets Life Sentence for Killing Girl, 9
Zip-Lining Man Slams Into Tree
