Man cited for Suttle Lake thefts

Deschutes County Sheriff's deputies arrested James Mize, 36, in Camp Sherman last week, after a long investigation into a series of campground thefts throughout the region.

Mize was cited in connection with thefts in the Suttle Lake area and was arrested and taken to Deschutes County Jail on an unrelated warrant. According to sheriff's office reports, after an interview with detectives, Mize was also lodged on a charge of first degree aggravated theft.

Deputies are also seeking Stanley Eugene Barrett, 26. He is believed to have left the area and traveled to Kansas City, Missouri.

According to sheriff's office reports, at least 38 thefts occurred over the past several months at various lakeside recreational areas. More than $28,000 in fishing, camping, hiking and other recreational equipment was stolen from occupied camp sites and boats moored near campgrounds.

Investigators got on the trail of Mize and Barrett after one of the victims identified stolen property in a local pawn shop.

Anyone with information about the thefts or about the whereabouts of Stanley Barrett are urged to contact the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office at 388-6655.