NORMAN, OK — The Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office says its theft ring investigation has expanded again, with two more suspects identified and the total number of people suspected or confirmed in the case rising to nine.
One of the new names is Anthony D. Sparks, who is already in custody. The other is Billy J. Magby, whom investigators are still trying to find as they continue looking into burglaries, stolen property and related charges across the county and nearby communities.
Sparks tied to a Cleveland County District 1 barn burglary
Deputies said Oklahoma City police arrested Sparks in July on a second-degree burglary charge. Investigators later connected him to an earlier burglary at the Cleveland County District 1 barn, according to the sheriff’s office.
Sparks is being held in the Cleveland County Jail on a $150,000 bond. Investigators say he faces multiple charges, including second-degree burglary, engaging in a pattern of criminal offenses, grand larceny and entering with intent to steal copper.
The sheriff’s office has not detailed all of the evidence linking Sparks to the broader theft ring, but officials said the case grew out of thefts that involved active construction sites and other property crimes in the area.
Magby remains wanted after DNA match in stolen vehicle case
Magby was identified through testing by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation laboratory, which confirmed that his DNA was found on evidence collected during a stolen vehicle investigation, officials said.
He also has outstanding felony warrants in Pottawatomie and Pontotoc counties for knowingly receiving or concealing stolen property. Sheriff’s officials said additional charges are expected as the investigation moves forward.
Authorities are still asking for help finding Magby and said anyone with information should contact the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division at 405-701-8642.
Nine suspects now connected to thefts in Cleveland County and nearby areas
The latest update brings the list of identified suspects to nine. The seven previously named by investigators are Kaylon B. Mercer, James L. Thomas, Joshua T. Ramsey, Jacob S. Valentine, Alicia K. Moore, Elizabeth M. Jones and Susan N. Johnson.
Deputies said Mercer was arrested while they were serving a search warrant. During that search, investigators recovered a Kubota tractor with a backhoe attachment, along with tools, power tools and other stolen items from his property.
The other six suspects were arrested after five search warrants were served in connection with thefts from active construction sites in and around Cleveland County.
Sheriff says the cases show a pattern of criminal behavior
Sheriff Darrell Weaver said the people tied to the case have carried out a pattern of criminal behavior across Cleveland County and neighboring communities.
“We will not tolerate individuals who repeatedly target our communities and take property from hardworking residents and businesses,” Weaver said in a statement.
The sheriff’s office had previously said it expected charges to be filed against 13 suspects in total. Officials have not said whether the investigation has reached that number yet, but they indicated the case is still active and may expand further.
What investigators have recovered so far
So far, the sheriff’s office has described the case as involving burglaries, stolen vehicles, copper theft and construction-site break-ins. The recovered property mentioned publicly has included the Kubota tractor, backhoe attachment, tools and power tools taken from the Mercer search.
Deputies have also said the theft ring stretched beyond one town or one job site, with activity reaching across Cleveland County and into surrounding communities. Investigators have not released a full inventory of losses or said whether all of the stolen property has been recovered.
The sheriff’s office said the case is still developing, and more arrests or charges remain possible as detectives work through the evidence and outstanding warrants.
How residents can help investigators
Officials are urging anyone who knows where Magby is, or who has information about any of the nine identified suspects, to contact investigators.
The Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division can be reached at 405-701-8642. Deputies did not say whether tips from the public have already led to any new arrests in the case.
