May 16th, 2025 Local News
Washington Co., Mo. (KFMO) - A swift response by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office led to the recovery of stolen property and multiple criminal charges after an investigation on Tuesday, May 13, 2025.
Authorities say they received a report that morning of a stolen trailer and a breaker attachment for a skid steer. Within 20 minutes, a deputy located the stolen items at a residence in Cadet. The investigation quickly escalated. A search warrant was executed at the property, where deputies seized multiple firearms and a quantity of narcotics. Officers also discovered a side-by-side utility vehicle with removed VIN numbers and a dump trailer confirmed to be stolen. The operation extended throughout the day, ultimately resulting in the successful recovery of the stolen items. According to the sheriff’s office, the property was returned to its rightful owners. Wesley Johnston, of Cadet, was arrested at the scene.
Johnston, a convicted felon currently on parole for receiving stolen property, now faces multiple felony charges including: Delivery of a Controlled Substance, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm (5 counts), Receiving Stolen Property (2 counts), and Possession of a Vehicle with an Altered VIN.
Bond has been set at $200,000 cash only.
