Man arrested, charged in connection with multi-county vehicle thefts

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Ill., (KBSI) — A suspect has been charged in connection with a string of vehicle thefts across multiple counties in southern Illinois.

Wesley J. New was arrested May 10 after a stolen motorcycle was recovered in Cambria.

New has been charged with multiple counts of possession of a stolen motor vehicle, theft, burglary and violation of pre-trial release.

The investigation began April 29 when a stolen vehicle was reported in Whiteash. Deputies later located the vehicle and arrested New, who was released from jail the next day due to the Illinois Safety Act.

On May 9, two more vehicles were reported stolen in Carbondale, and a third vehicle was recovered in Belle Rive.

New was arrested again May 10 and charged with additional crimes.

The Williamson County Sheriff’s Office credited the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and Williamson County State’s Attorney Ted Hampson for their assistance in the investigation.