Last week, DeKalb County Investigators closed several open theft cases after a burglary at a Fort Payne business led them to the culprit.

It all began on Friday, June 17th when workers at Fort Payne Steel, located on County Road 51, arrived at work and realized an ATV, tools, and equipment were stolen the previous night. The DeKalb County Sheriff's Office was contacted, and the stolen items were located in an empty storage building at a business next door.

Investigators were able to determine that a contract worker that was currently doing work on a nearby business had stolen the items and stored them to retrieve later. After conducting a search warrant at the suspects home, multiple stolen catalytic converters were located, along with a stolen ATV and welder.

Scott William Curtis (30 of Fyffe) was arrested and charged with Burglary 3rd Degree (x2), Theft of Property 1st Degree, Criminal Mischief 2nd Degree, Criminal Mischief 3rd Degree, and Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle.

Scott William Curtis (30 of Fyffe)

During his arrest, Curtis was also found to be in possession illegal prescription pills and drug paraphernalia. He received additional charges of Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

After further investigation, he was also arrested at a later date on a charge of Receiving Stolen Property 2nd Degree.

DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden said: "This is another great job by our investigative team. Not only did they solve this case at a local business, but it solves several theft cases in the county with the additional items found at his residence."

"Our deputies will remain vigilant to help deter thefts in our county, and if they do occur our investigators do a great job of putting them in jail," he said.

"God Bless!" Concluded Sheriff Welden.