Timber Land Thefts Result in Conviction

A Polk County deputy's investigation of stolen forestry equipment around the former town of Valsetz has led to a lenghtly prison sentence for a Monmouth man.

Brian Lee Photo: Polk County Sheriff

(DALLAS) - Earlier this year, Deputy Jeff Williams of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office was assigned to patrol the rural timber areas of Polk County.

Soon Williams began investigating multiple reports of theft and damage to logging equipment belonging to subcontractors working for Forest Capital Partners.

Old town site of Valsetz

The area that the thefts took place were all near the old town of Valsetz which is located in the S.W. corner of Polk County.

During the investigation, Williams was able to piece the crimes together, and this led to the arrest of 43-year old Brian K. Lee of Monmouth.

Lee was originally indicted on 23 counts according to Dean Bender with the Polk County Sheriff's Office, including one count of Burglary II, seven counts of Theft I, nine counts of Unauthorized Entry of a Motor Vehicle, two counts of Criminal Mischief I, and three counts of Theft II.

In the end, Lee pled guilty to several reduced charges:

Burglary II – 1 Count
Theft I – 4 Counts
Unauthorized Entry of a Motor Vehicle – 5 Counts
Criminal Mischief II – 1 Counts

As a result of the conviction, Brian Lee being sentenced to six (6) years in prison. He was also ordered to pay $7,413.01 in restitution to the victims for loss of income resulting from these crimes.

Bender says Deputy Williams was able to recover approximately 80% of the stolen property that included various types of radio equipment, multiple chainsaws and other logging type equipment.

The photo of Valsetz is from the Website www.homestead.com/valsetz. It is a fascinating way to learn more about this historic Oregon town that once was.