NASSAU COUNTY, Fla. – A months-long Nassau County Sheriff’s Office investigation ended in the arrests of three individuals accused of conspiring to steal more than $19,000 worth of equipment from West Nassau High School’s baseball team.
Brian Moore, 37, Joshua “Risky” Teel, 36, and Ashley Crockett, 35, have each been charged in connection with the theft.
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The investigation began Jan. 3, after deputies responded to a reported burglary at the baseball field at West Nassau High School. The team reported a dump trailer parked near the field had been stolen, along with player equipment — including bats, cleats and gloves — as well as construction equipment.
Surveillance cameras captured a suspect vehicle leaving school grounds while towing the stolen trailer. Using Flock Safety camera technology and other investigative techniques, detectives identified the vehicle as belonging to Teel’s fiancée.
The following day, Jan. 4, deputies responded to a report of suspicious activity on school grounds. Deputies observed a van backed up to the baseball field dugout area and found Moore and another individual nearby. Both were arrested for trespassing on school property.
Text messages reveal coordination
During the investigation, detectives obtained a search warrant for Moore’s cellphone. Text messages recovered from the device revealed Moore and Teel coordinated and planned to commit various thefts. Messages exchanged with Crockett, a West Nassau alumna, showed she helped facilitate the burglary.
According to the arrest report, Crockett previously attended West Nassau High School and informed others of where additional cameras were located. During the Jan. 4 burglary, the sheriff’s office said she actively communicated with Moore in real time, relaying directions and providing updates on the movements of another individual involved.
On July 1, investigators learned the Bradford County Sheriff’s Office had been alerted by Flock Safety cameras to the stolen trailer in the area. The individuals found with the trailer told investigators that Teel asked them to sell it for cash.
“These thieves didn’t just steal baseball equipment, they stole from young athletes who poured their time, effort, and passion into the game,” Sheriff Bill Leeper said. “I’m proud of the dedication and persistence our detectives showed throughout this investigation. Their hard work ensured those responsible are being held accountable.”
Moore was booked into the Nassau County Jail & Detention Center on Thursday on charges of conspiracy to commit grand theft and misuse of a two-way communications device. He is being held on a bond exceeding $100,000.
Crockett was also booked on charges of burglary of a structure and misuse of a two-way communications device and is being held on a bond exceeding $20,000.
Teel was already incarcerated in another county. He faces charges in Nassau County of burglary, grand Theft, dealing in stolen property, and misuse of a two-way communications device, with a bond exceeding $275,000.