The Knox County Sheriff’s Office has recovered stolen construction equipment valued at $50,000 and arrested two suspects following a burglary reported on Friday at a construction site near Victoria.
Detectives traced the stolen items—an enclosed trailer with tools and materials, and a flatbed trailer—to Galesburg, where a search warrant at 1636 Beecher Ave. led to the apprehension of the individuals.
Rebecca Muckey, 37, and Luke Simkins, 39, both from Galesburg, were found hiding in the residence. All stolen property was recovered, including a separately reported stolen vehicle returned to its owner. Investigators also found abandoned, burned tools in remote Knox County areas and located the trailers outside Victoria.
Muckey and Simkins face multiple charges, including theft ($10,000–$100,000), possession of stolen property, possession of methamphetamine, theft ($500–$10,000), and arson.
Sheriff Jack Harlan praised the deputies’ swift action, noting their efforts ensured the successful recovery and arrests.