Press Release

 

Sheriff Travis Duffy reports that on Thursday September 30, 2021 at approximately 9:43 AM a property owner in rural Carthage, IL reported a suspicious vehicle and two suspicious males on his property. 

 

Sheriff’s deputies arrived at 905 N State Hwy 94 and immediately encountered a White 2002 Ford truck that did not belong on the property. The occupants, Cory R. Mefford age 34, of Quincy, IL and Joseph D. Hardy age 33, of Quincy, IL were discovered to be in the process of committing theft at the property. 

 

Mefford and Hardy were attempting to steal a catalytic converter from a vehicle on the property. They were found to be in possession of burglary tools. 

 

After an investigation it was found that the pair had stolen catalytic converters in different areas of Hancock County as well as in neighboring jurisdictions. They were found in possession of the stolen items. 

 

Both subjects were transported to the Hancock County Jail where they were held on charges of;

Theft over $500, Criminal Trespass to Real Property, and Possession of Burglary Tools. 

 

This investigation is ongoing and further charges may be filed. 

 

All persons arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.