MITCHELL – An Orleans man is facing felony burglary charges after an investigation into a reported gas theft on March 23, 2025.
According to a Probable Cause Affidavit filed by Deputy D. Miller of the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department, Justin Lacey, 33, allegedly stole gasoline from a shed located at a residence in the 1000 block of VFW Road.
The affidavit states that deputies were dispatched to the residence of an elderly couple after they reported the theft. The couple informed Deputy Miller that a former acquaintance, identified as Justin, contacted them, stating he was out of gas in their driveway and had no money. The male owner reported that Lacey filled his vehicle with gasoline from a can stored in their shed.
The male owner also informed Deputy Miller of previous incidents involving Lacey, including the alleged theft of tires and a catalytic converter. Following the gas theft, the male owner reportedly followed Lacey to a trailer located in the 900 block of Newby Street in Mitchell. The owner and his wife were able to take photographs of Lacey’s truck and the trailer. Upon returning home, the couple noticed damage to their shed, indicating a forced entry.
Deputy Miller showed the couple a recent booking photograph of Justin Lacey from the Lawrence County Jail, and both identified him as the individual who took their gas.
Further investigation led Deputy Miller to the Newby Street address. There, he spoke with a male, who stated that Lacey did not reside at the trailer but placed a call to him, allowing Deputy Miller to speak with Lacey via speakerphone.
During the conversation, Lacey reportedly discussed the previous incidents involving the tires and catalytic converter, claiming the latter was taken by accident and returned. When questioned about being at the elderly couple’s home on March 23rd, Lacey admitted to being there, stating he ran out of gas in their driveway. He claimed the man offered to take him to town. Lacey further said he used gas from a can in his truck and asked the male to follow him to ensure he made it.
Lacey denied going near the barn area or touching anything. He stated that he knocked on their door, and when no one answered, he walked under their carport but not inside the garage or the home, before looking up the owner’s phone number and calling him. The owner subsequently no-trespassed Justin Lacey from his property via telephone.
Based on the investigation, Deputy Miller requested a warrant for Lacey’s arrest. He was arrested on April 19th on a Level 5 felony of burglary.
All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. This article is based on the information provided in the Probable Cause Affidavit and does not represent a final determination of guilt or innocence.
