CROSS LANES, W.Va. — A theft at a rental business in Cross Lanes escalated into a major criminal investigation after suspects allegedly used an excavator to steal vehicles and heavy equipment valued at approximately $85,000, according to the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies say the crime occurred in December, when a suspect was captured on video entering the business and stealing a truck, a trailer, and multiple side-by-side vehicles. Investigators believe the suspect used an excavator to carry out the theft.
Residents in the area said the business’s remote location may have made it easier for the crime to occur. “It’s somewhat remote,” said David Morris, who travels the area frequently. “There aren’t many homes nearby, so it could’ve been fairly easy to do what they did.”
Authorities arrested James Quesenberry on Christmas Day after locating him in a stolen U-Haul truck allegedly used in the theft. A second suspect, Elizabeth Clay, was later arrested after deputies uncovered text messages linking her to the stolen equipment.
Investigators said the messages discussed locating a truck and selling the stolen items, which led to a search warrant for Clay’s phone and her subsequent arrest.
Clay remains in custody on a $2,500 bond, deputies said. The investigation remains ongoing.
As with all criminal cases, the charges are allegations, and the suspects are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
