WYOMING COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Two people are facing charges in Wyoming County following an investigation that began with an alleged theft from a property in Brenton and later led deputies to a residence while attempting to serve a felony warrant.
According to criminal complaints filed in Wyoming County Magistrate Court, Dakota Nathaniel Steele was initially charged in connection with a June incident involving stolen equipment and damage to property. Steele and Amanda Sue Baker were later arrested in September after deputies went to a home in the Guyan Subdivision in Brenton to locate Steele.
The initial investigation began after the Wyoming County Sheriff’s Department received a theft complaint on June 29. According to the complaint, a man who leased property along Guyan Subdivision Road reported receiving a phone call informing him that someone had been on his property.
The property owner later inspected trailers and trucks at the site and allegedly discovered multiple copper wiring harnesses, trailer plugs, a fifth-wheel hitch and a new Interstate battery had been removed. Deputies said damage was also discovered to the trailers and a truck.
According to the complaint, the property owner estimated the stolen items were worth approximately $1,800 and estimated repairs to the damaged trailers and truck would cost approximately $2,500.
During the investigation, deputies interviewed another person who allegedly told investigators that he and Steele went to the property where a dump trailer was located. The person allegedly said Steele removed items from the trailer and that they later took the stolen items to Steele’s residence.
Steele was also interviewed and allegedly told investigators that another person was carrying a backpack containing copper wiring and trailer plug connectors. According to the complaint, Steele said the person told him he intended to sell the copper wiring and trailer plugs and split the proceeds.
Investigators said Steele also described a battery that matched the description of the battery reported stolen. Deputies reported they were unable to locate any of the stolen property during the investigation.
Steele was charged with grand larceny and destruction of property in connection with the June incident.
The investigation continued on Sept. 3 when Wyoming County deputies went to a residence along Guyan Subdivision in Brenton to serve a felony warrant on Steele.
According to the complaints, Baker came to the door and allegedly told deputies no one else was inside the residence. While deputies spoke with Baker, another deputy reportedly saw a man sitting on a couch through a window. The man was identified as Steele.
Police alleged Steele began moving around inside the residence after seeing law enforcement outside.
According to the complaints, Baker gave deputies permission to enter and search the residence. Deputies alleged Baker repeatedly denied Steele was inside and told them he was mowing grass down the road.
Deputies eventually located Steele allegedly hiding inside a closet underneath several pieces of clothing. According to the complaint, Steele initially ignored several commands to come out before eventually complying and being taken into custody.
Baker was also arrested for allegedly hindering the investigation.
Deputies then reentered the residence to check for additional wanted people. During that search, investigators reported finding a metal container partially concealed between couch cushions where Steele had allegedly been sitting when deputies first arrived.
The container allegedly held a crystal-like substance consistent in appearance with methamphetamine. Deputies said the substance would be sent to the West Virginia State Police laboratory for further testing.
Steele was charged with obstruction and possession of a controlled substance in connection with the Sept. 3 incident. Baker was charged with obstruction and accessory before the fact, according to the complaints.
The charges are allegations, and both defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
