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Theft Ring Even Stole Rutherford County Mayor’s $12,000 Mower

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“This is one of the largest theft rings in recent history in Rutherford County and the value of recovered property may be higher than any other recoveries in years,” Sheriff Robert Arnold said. Credit: RCS

“This is one of the largest theft rings in recent history in Rutherford County and the value of recovered property may be higher than any other recoveries in years,” Sheriff Robert Arnold said. Credit: RCS

Rutherford County detectives have broken up what they consider a lawn mower theft ring.

The Sheriff’s Office has recovered $250,000 worth of stolen property, primarily commercial grade mowers. There were also skid loaders valued at about $65,000 each, farm tractors, four-wheelers, a tiller and an air compressor, according to a release.

One mower was stolen from Rutherford County Mayor Ernest Burgess.

The suspect is 36-year-old James Allen Presley. He apparently has cooperated and even directed investigators to a warehouse in Illinois where the stolen equipment was stored before being sold.

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Blake Farmer, Host, This Is Nashville

Blake Farmer is the host of “This Is Nashville,” the flagship weekday show of Nashville Public Radio. Previously, Blake spent 16 years at WPLN News, serving as host, editor and news director. Before a two-year radio hiatus with a Nashville-based healthcare company, Blake was one of the country’s most prolific healthcare audio journalists. He produced stories for both local and national programs, extending the reach of his reporting through a partnership with KFF Health News. Outside of work, Blake can be found running or biking on roads that other Nashvillians consider too busy for such activities. So far, he has always made it home to his wife of 20 years and two children.

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