Victim Works With Detectives to Recover Stolen Property

Onalaska, WA - Detectives with the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office and a 71 year old victim from Onalaska worked together to recover stolen property and make an arrest.

An Onalaska man reported to the Sheriff’s Office on November 4th that someone had stolen his beloved Craftsman Riding Lawnmower, valued at $400. The victim checked Craigslist on a frequent basis hoping his lawnmower would show up on the site.  Eventually it did.  The victim was able to positively identify the lawnmower by customization to the mower.

The victim called detectives and they hatched a plan together.  The detective would pose as the victims “grandson” who had blew up his grandpas riding lawnmower and needed to buy his grandpa another.

The victim and detectives drove to Olympia Thursday to meet the man selling the lawnmower. The victim identified his lawnmower and Jonathan Michael McClain, 23, of Olympia, was arrested for Trafficking in Stolen Property 1st.  McClain admitted to stealing the lawnmower and told detectives he was planning on selling it to make money to buy something for his girlfriend.

McClain was arrested and transported to the Lewis County Jail where was booked.

Lewis County Sheriff Steve Mansfield said “I am proud of the work this citizen and my detectives put into this case.  This case is an excellent example of what can happen when victims work together with deputies on their case.  My deputies work hard to follow up on cases and investigate them but having assistance from victims always helps.”