Multi-Agency Effort Leads to Arrests in Large Equipment Theft Case

CHAMBERS COUNTY, Texas, June 7, 2024 - According to Chambers County Deputies, a GPS ping led authorities to a stolen excavator near SH 99 and Interstate 10. Investigators from the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office assisted in the investigation.

Jimmy McGee & James Mason's MugshotsPhoto byChambers County Sheriff's Office

A suspect vehicle was identified, registered to 39-year-old Jimmy McGee of Mont Belvieu. Another excavator was found on McGee’s trailer with its VIN plate removed and fresh paint on the arm. Discrepancies in McGee’s story regarding his whereabouts on the night of the theft raised further suspicion. The excavator was seized pending further investigation.

On June 10, 2024, auto theft investigators identified the second excavator as reported stolen to the Beaumont Police Department. Detectives executed multiple search warrants in Chambers County and recovered several stolen items, primarily from the Beaumont area.

Investigators identified McGee’s primary accomplice as 38-year-old James Mason of Baytown. The suspects would scout equipment during the day from East Houston to West Louisiana and transport it at night to Chambers County, concealing identities before selling the items below market value.

Detectives identified $347,000 worth of stolen equipment, including excavators, skid steers, trailers, and tractors. Arrest warrants for McGee and Mason were issued for multiple offenses:

Jimmy McGee

• Unlawful Possession of Firearm by Felon - $50,000 bond
• Tamper with Identification Number - $15,000 bond
• Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity – Theft of Property - $300,000 bond

James Mason

• Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity – Theft of Property - $300,000 bond

Both suspects are currently incarcerated in the Chambers County Sheriff’s Office Jail.

The Chambers County Sheriff’s Office thanked various agencies for their assistance, including the Chambers County District Attorney’s Office, Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office, Baytown Police Department, Beaumont Police Department, Mont Belvieu Police Department, Liberty County District Attorney’s Office, Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office, and McLennan County Sheriff’s Office.

The investigation is ongoing with more arrests expected. Anyone with stolen construction equipment or trailers in southeast Texas or western Louisiana is asked to contact Lieutenant Tanner Dickens