Kanawha County deputies have made a second arrest in an investigation into a large theft at a United Rentals location in Cross Lanes.
Elizabeth Nicole Clay, 41, of Charleston, has been charged with entry of a building other than a dwelling and grand larceny following a reported theft at the United Rentals facility on New Goff Mountain Road in December, according to the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies said several items were stolen on Dec. 19, including a Ford F-550 truck, a flatbed trailer and two side-by-side utility vehicles. Investigators believe an excavator was used to break through a fence, allowing the suspects to remove the equipment from the property.
During the investigation, deputies determined that a stolen white U-Haul truck was also used in the theft. James Keith Quesenberry, 37, of Poca, was arrested on Christmas Day while driving the stolen U-Haul. He faces the same charges of entry of a building other than a dwelling and grand larceny.
Authorities said a search of Quesenberry’s cellphone revealed conversations with Clay from the night of the theft related to locating a truck. A subsequent search warrant for Clay’s phone allegedly uncovered text messages discussing the sale of the stolen property.
The total value of the stolen equipment is estimated at about $85,000. Clay is currently being held at the South Central Regional Jail on a $2,500 cash-only bond.