MONROE CO. – On Sunday, December 29, 2024, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office responded to a burglary report in the 7000 block of West Matthews Road, where several tools and farm implements were found missing from a building on the property. Among the stolen items was a Case Farmall tractor valued at approximately $100,000, along with miscellaneous power tools and two vehicles.
An Indiana State Police detective, contacted by the property owners for assistance, informed the Sheriff’s Office on December 31, 2024, that he believed he had located the stolen tractor at a property in the 5000 block of South Cardwell Road. Monroe County Deputies, along with the Indiana State Police, responded to the area to investigate further.
During surveillance, the Indiana State Police Detective observed two vehicles leaving the property and requested that stops be made. One vehicle was stopped by an Indiana State trooper, who discovered a small amount of methamphetamine in the driver’s possession. The driver was later booked into the Monroe County Correctional Center on drug charges.
Another vehicle was stopped by deputies, leading to the discovery of 32 grams of suspected methamphetamine. The individual in this vehicle was also arrested and booked on multiple drug and paraphernalia charges.
Following these arrests, deputies obtained a search warrant for the property on South Cardwell Road. The property was thoroughly searched by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and the Indiana State Police, resulting in the recovery of both stolen vehicles, including the Case Farmall tractor, and most of the missing power tools. Additionally, an unrelated stolen vehicle from Marion County was located on the property.
The owner of the property in the 5000 block of South Cardwell Road was arrested for the theft of the tractor, and a female located on the property was arrested for possession of methamphetamine with a firearm enhancement.
The following individuals were arrested and charged in connection with the theft and drug-related offenses:
- Tiffany Steele, 35, Mooresville, IN:
- Possession of Methamphetamine with Enhancing Circumstances (Level 5 Felony)
- Possession of Legend Drug (Level 6 Felony)
- Possession of Paraphernalia (Class C Misdemeanor)
- Troy McCormick, 52, Bloomington, IN:
- Theft over $50,000 (Level 5 Felony)
- Michael Ratliff, 44, Martinsville, IN:
- Possession of Methamphetamine (Level 3 Felony)
- Possession of Narcotic Drug (Level 6 Felony)
- Possession of Legend Drug (Level 6 Felony)
- Unlawful Possession of a Hypodermic Syringe (Level 6 Felony)
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are continuing to follow leads related to the stolen property and illegal drugs.
Those facing criminal charges are considered innocent unless convicted through due legal proceedings. Accusations alone do not imply guilt; the judicial system will evaluate the presented evidence to reach a verdict.
