A 24-year-old man faces an enhanced theft charge that the Jack County Sheriff’s Office classified as a felony after authorities accused him of taking a deer feeder from property whose owner left access unlocked for firefighters during the Ross Fire.
Jack County authorities charged Quint Thomas Hare with theft of property valued at $750 or more but less than $2,500, according to a Sheriff’s Office release reported Saturday by FOX 4. The agency said authorities enhanced the charge because the alleged offense occurred within a declared disaster area.
Texas Penal Code Section 12.50 authorizes enhanced punishment for theft and several other offenses when the prosecution proves at trial that the conduct occurred in a declared disaster area or an area covered by an emergency evacuation order.
Feeder recovered in Young County
The property owner in the Rock Creek Road area left access unlocked so firefighters could enter the land to protect lives and property, deputies said.
Investigators allege Hare used the open access to remove the feeder. Game cameras captured images of a truck and trailer, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities later found the feeder in Young County and returned it to its owner. Investigators arrested Hare in Young County and transported him to Jack County.
“We will absolutely not tolerate anyone using a disaster as an opportunity to prey on our citizens,” Jack County Sheriff Charles “T-Bob” Hauger said.
Hauger said deputies would work as long as necessary to identify suspects, recover property and jail anyone who targeted residents while firefighters and law enforcement officers protected the county.
Hare retains the presumption of innocence, and prosecutors must prove the charge beyond a reasonable doubt.
Ross Fire burns more than 85,000 acres
As previously reported by The Dallas Express, the Ross Fire began August 24 near Palo Pinto before spreading into Jack County.
The wildfire had burned 85,303 acres and was 31% contained as of Saturday, according to data from the Texas A&M Forest Service incident viewer. State and local crews continued firefighting and containment operations across the two counties.
Provided by Dallas Express
