Two Managers Allegedly Steal From Their Own Employers...
Gordon Ryan Stelck, 42, of Livingston
Kenneth Lee Krieger, 30, of Livingston
On the morning of January 24th, 2014 the owners of Peters Tractor reported the theft of a 24’ Goose Neck trailer from their inventory. The trailer was traded in as part of a deal along with a Kubota tractor and the trailer was never listed in the inventory by the general manager, identified as Gordon Ryan Stelck of Livingston Texas. Also missing from their inventory was a chain harrow and carrier. Deputies with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office went to Stelck's residence at 242 Ryans Road and observed the 24’ gooseneck in his possession.
When detectives questioned Stelck about the trailer, he stated he had purchased the trailer from Peters Tractor from Kenneth Krieger, who was the sales manager, however, Stelck was unable to provide a title to the trailer or bill of sale. Deputies also noted the chain harrow and carrier on the property and later confirmed it was the one stolen from inventory according to Sheriff Kenneth Hammack.
The Polk County Investigation Division initiated an investigation into the thefts and attempted to get Kenneth and Gordon to come in to the Sheriff’s Office to speak with investigators regarding the thefts and they both refused to do so. It was determined Krieger (along with Stelck) was also involved in the theft of the trailer. Felony warrants were issued for Stelck and Krieger on February 6, 2014 for theft charges and an additional misdemeanor theft was filed on Stelck. Detectives and Deputies attempted to serve the warrants several times, but weren't able to located them. On February 12 the pair turned themselves in to the Polk County Sheriff's Office.
This has been a lengthy investigation for the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Investigation Division that has led to the arrests of both suspects. The investigation is still active and more charges are pending at this time.
If you would like to comment on this story, we'd love to hear from you. Email us at pctletters@gmail.com. Be sure to include the story subject in the subject line of your email, also list your name and town in your letter. Your letter will be posted in Letters to the Editor.