A Liberty man has been charged in connection with the theft of some expensive fishing gear.

Casey County Sheriff Chad Weddle says the victim, Shannon Scott, reported someone had removed several rods & reels from his garage, about five miles west of Liberty on KY 70. The theft happened around 10pm on the night of February 15th. The gear was stored in his boat, and all the garage doors were closed. The value of the stolen items were estimated at around $4,700.

During the investigation, Sheriff Weddle learned that Justin & Brandon Cain had purchased gear matching the description of items that were stolen in the theft. On Friday, March 3rd, that investigation led him to 29 year old Austin Scott of 29 Lanier Lane, Liberty, who stated he had entered the garage through an unlocked door, removed the fishing poles and later sold them.

Austin Scott was lodged in the Casey County Jail on charges of Burglary-3rd Degree, Theft by Unlawful Taking (over $1,000), and Tampering with Physical Evidence.

The fishing poles were undamaged, and were returned to Shannon Scott.