Kentucky Pair Charged In Connection With Vehicle Thefts

Oneida, TN (2011-02-18) Two men from Kentucky have been accused of stealing a pair of vehicles from the Oneida area.

James Andrew Ball, 28, of Pine Knot was arrested by the Oneida Police Department on Tuesday, February 15, 2011 after authorities allegedly linked him to the theft of a pair of automobiles in the Oneida area. A second man, identified as David J. Hardwick, also of McCreary County, was charged in connection with the theft. The Oneida Police Department reportedly has outstanding warrants for his arrest. Hardwick is reportedly currently incarcerated in the McCreary County Jail.

According to an arrest warrant filed by Officer Adam Douglas of the Oneida Police Department, Marty King of Oneida notified the police department on Tuesday, February 15, 2011 that his truck had been taken from the parking lot at E-Z Rentals in Oneida on February 11, 2011. On Tuesday, King reportedly learned his vehicle had been scene at a residence in Kentucky. Douglas and the victim traveled to Kentucky, where the stolen truck was found. The owner of the residence, identified as Richard Hill, reportedly told authorities he had purchased the vehicle from Ball and Hardwick. Upon further investigation, authorities learned Hill had information regarding a second vehicle taken from Oneida Wal-Mart SuperCenter earlier in the month. The second victim, identified as Bruce Cochran, of Pioneer reported his vehicle stolen on February 10, 2011. After reviewing surveillance footage from the store, authorities learned the vehicle had been towed from the parking lot the previous day.

Hill returned both vehicles to their rightful owners.

Ball and Hardwick were each charged with auto burglary (two counts), theft of over $1,000 (two counts), and vandalism of over $500.