In a bizarre and audacious attempt, three individuals were arrested after they allegedly tried to steal multiple jon boats from a property in Lafayette County, Missouri.
Law enforcement swiftly responded, thwarting the crime in progress and leading to the suspects’ arrest. The suspects now face serious charges related to the attempted theft.
In this article, we dive into the details of the case, the charges, and what led to the foiled heist.
The Incident in Lafayette County
On the evening of Saturday, March 30, 2025, law enforcement officers were called to a rural property in Lafayette County, Missouri, following reports of a theft in progress.
The caller had alerted the police about a suspicious red truck and trailer leaving the property, allegedly carrying multiple jon boats.
According to the probable cause statement filed by the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office, the truck was spotted shortly after the initial report. Officers managed to stop the vehicle and identified the driver as Layne A. Christian, 51, from Lexington, Missouri.
Ashley D. Stimelsky, 38, and Zachary J. Stewart, 35, both from Odessa, Missouri, were found in the passenger seats.
What Happened During the Stop?
During questioning, Christian claimed that he had purchased the boats, but he could not provide any details on who he bought them from.
Neither Stimelsky nor Stewart could provide any additional information about the transaction. However, the property owner confirmed to law enforcement that the boats were not for sale.
This confirmation led to the immediate arrest of the three suspects. The boats were believed to have been stolen and were in the process of being transported when the police arrived on the scene.
The Charges and Possible Penalties
All three suspects were charged with stealing a watercraft under Missouri law. If convicted, they each face up to 14 years in prison and a $20,000 fine.
The theft of watercraft is taken seriously under Missouri law, and the charges reflect the severity of the crime.
The suspects are currently being held in custody with a $25,000 bond each. A court appearance has been scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 10, 2025.
Breakdown of Key Details
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Date of Incident | Saturday, March 30, 2025 |
| Location | Lafayette County, Missouri |
| Suspects | Zachary J. Stewart, Ashley D. Stimelsky, Layne A. Christian |
| Vehicle Involved | Red truck and trailer carrying multiple jon boats |
| Charges | Stealing a watercraft |
| Maximum Penalty | 14 years in prison, $20,000 fine |
| Bond | $25,000 each |
| Court Date | April 10, 2025 at 9:30 a.m. |
The foiled jon boat heist in Lafayette County, Missouri, highlights the risks of attempting such crimes. Thanks to the swift actions of law enforcement, the perpetrators were caught before they could make a getaway.
The case is an important reminder that stealing watercraft is a serious offense, with harsh penalties for those involved. As the investigation continues and the court date approaches, the community waits to see how the legal system will handle this attempted theft.
The suspects now face a long road ahead with significant consequences for their actions.
FAQs
What charges are the suspects facing?
The suspects have been charged with stealing a watercraft, which carries a potential penalty of up to 14 years in prison and a $20,000 fine.
How were the suspects apprehended?
After receiving a report of a theft, law enforcement officers spotted the suspect vehicle, stopped it, and questioned the driver and passengers. They were arrested when the boats were confirmed to have been stolen.
When is the court date for the suspects?
The court date for the suspects is set for Thursday, April 10, 2025, at 9:30 a.m..