During the first week of May, a Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office detective received information that 49-year-old Michael Clark from Dewey, Arizona, had been bragging about the burglary from a local rock quarry. Detectives discovered that Clark resided near the MDI Rock properties. Detectives also found out that Clark had just been hired to work at MDI Rock during the first week of May and at the time, claimed to have done work for MDI Rock in the 80’s.
As the investigation continued, detectives learned from an anonymous source that Clark had apparently discovered MDI Rock was hiring when he noticed a help wanted sign while burglarizing the business. Additionally detectives were told that Clark already sold a lot of the stolen tools after realizing he might be a target suspect in the case.
The investigation revealed that a second suspect, 46-year-old Blaine Rector, from Prescott Valley, was involved.
On May 17, detectives were told that Clark was arrested for driving on a suspended license after nearly running into a Sheriffs vehicle. This was his fourth suspended license contact in six months and this time he was arrested and his vehicle was towed.
After Clark was presented with the details of the detectives’ knowledge about his involvement, Clark admitted to the burglary. Clark provided a list of persons he sold the stove and tools to and indicated some of the stolen property could be found at his residence. He also admitted to stealing a large pile of scrap copper and brass from the victim.
Clark claimed he was now sorry for what he had done to his new employer.
Clark was booked on charges including several counts of burglary traffic in and stolen property and theft. He remains in custody on a $15,000 bond.
On May 21, Rector was located, interviewed and denied involvement. A search warrant was served at Rector’s Prescott Valley home.
On May 23, detectives developed enough evidence from various sources confirming Rector’s participation in the burglary including the theft of a front loader from MDI Rock. Rector is on probation and has been held without bond.
A third suspect has since been identified and is currently located in the Colorado Department of corrections charges are pending.