Wellton man arrested for theft and damage on Barry M. Goldwater Range

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - The Yuma County Sheriff's Office (YCSO) arrested a man Tuesday in response to thefts and criminal damage that occurred on the Barry M. Goldwater Range.

“It lead to the discovery and the recovery of the items that had been reported stolen this includes large generators batteries even military vehicle batteries," said Tanya Pavlak from the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office.

In a press release, YCSO was contacted by the United States Marine Corps Criminal Investigations Division on February 21 about the incidents. During the course of the joint investigations, both agencies identified the suspect as a 53-year-old Yuma man.

YCSO says the agencies searched the residence and found the following items that were reported as stolen:

• Large generators
• Optima batteries
• Military vehicle batteries

The man is facing two bonds totaling $1,000,000 total.

According to the Sheriff’s Office the investigation has been going on for over a year.

“Thefts had actually started occurring back in December of 2022 and so this has been an on going joint investigation with the United States Marine Corps Criminal Investigations division,” said Tanya Pavlak.

They also found 20.95 grams of methamphetamine, 10 grams of Psilocybin Mushrooms, 0.8 grams of cocaine, and other items of drug paraphernalia and multiple firearms. All items were seized.

Following the arrest, the suspect was booked into the Yuma County Detention Center, as he faces 41 felony charges.

Here are some of the following charges:

• Three counts of Theft, Criminal Trespass, Burglary
• 18 counts of Possession of a Weapon in a Drug Offense
• Two counts of Possession of Dangerous
• One count of Narcotic Drug Violation and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

The Sherif’s Office also shares how this was a joint effort with the Marine Corps Criminal Investigations.

“Their explosives operation division, we had the naval criminal investigation services aboard, and then we also had a lot of different bureaus from the Yuma County Sheriff’s office,” said Pavlak.

The man appeared at the Wellton Justice Court Wednesday morning and will be back in court on Friday.

If anyone has any information regarding the case, call YCSO at (928) 783-4427 or 78-CRIME to remain anonymous. You can also visit YCSO's website to submit an anonymous tip.