Law Enforcement officials with the Alabama Forestry Commission (AFC) have announced the arrest of a Laurel, Mississippi man for “theft of property, first degree” and “unlawful sale of timber.” Rodney Daryel Reed, aged 45, is allegedly involved in the theft of a logging trailer loaded with timber which was stolen in Clarke County. Valued at $1,260, the timber was sold in Alabama and the trailer, valued at $22,700, was recovered and returned to its lawful owner. The first charge of theft is a Class B felony, and if convicted, carries a jail sentence of 2-20 years and a fine up to $30,000. The second charge of “unlawful sale of timber” is a misdemeanor, carrying a jail sentence of up to one year in jail and up to a $1,000 fine if convicted.

This arrest, made on February 22, 2010, was the result of a joint investigation of the Clarke County Sheriff’s Office, Clarke County District Attorney’s Office, Grove Hill Police Department, and the AFC. According to Law Enforcement Chief Craig Hill with the AFC, arrest warrants have also been obtained for an accomplice.

The Alabama Forestry Commission is committed to reducing the number of forestry-related crimes that occur each year across the state. These crimes generate losses of hundreds of thousands of dollars annually to landowners, the timber industry, and Alabama’s economy. The AFC provides an Arson/Forest Crimes Hotline so that citizens can call and report theft of timber, vandalism or theft of harvesting equipment, and wildland arson. The toll-free number is 1-800-222-2927. Any information provided is confidential and the caller remains anonymous.