$20,000 of stolen property recovered

QUINCY - The Grant County Sheriff's Office dealt a blow to an alleged major player in the local theft trade on March 14 with recovery of stolen goods and an arrest.

Deputies served a property search warrant at 13290 Road M.5 NW in rural Quincy. The warrant stemmed from the investigation of several thefts.

On the property, deputies found a truck-mounted fuel tank, electric fuel pump, 4000-watt Honda generator, laser surveying tools, four railroad crossing batteries, an oxyacetylene torch, Suzuki ATV, chop saw and most of a stolen GMC pickup truck.

Thus far, around $20,000 in stolen property has been recovered.

One of the suspects in this case, Daniel Amaya, 39 of Ephrata, was arrested the day before on other Grant County warrants and was taken to the Grant County Jail. He faces charges connected to the stolen property.

Two firearms were also found, and since Amaya is a convicted felon and not allowed to possess guns, they, too, were seized, Jones said. The investigation is continuing and more property is likely to be recovered. Deputies are also looking for Amaya's crime associates.

"This recovery of property helps wrap up many area thefts," Sheriff Tom Jones said. "Deputies continue to be vigilant in finding local thieves, and I am very proud of my deputies and the work they do."

- Staff report