LIBERTY COUNTY — A stolen excavator worth approximately $45,000 has been recovered following a coordinated investigation involving the Liberty County and Galveston County sheriff’s offices.
Michael Jakopic, 51, of Zavalla, is charged with theft of property valued between $30,000 and $150,000.
Liberty County jail records reviewed by KFDM show he has been released after posting a $20,000 bond.
The investigation began July 13 after the owner reported a 2020 Caterpillar 303.5 ECR excavator stolen from the area of FM 2518 and FM 787 in Cleveland, according to the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office.
Investigators said the Galveston County Sheriff’s Office learned someone was attempting to sell the excavator and notified Liberty County authorities.
Working with Galveston County Auto Theft investigators, deputies determined the equipment was being transported from Zavalla into Liberty County.
A deputy later spotted a black Dodge Ram 3500 towing the excavator westbound on SH 105 and stopped the truck near CR 2073.
According to the sheriff’s office, Jakopic told deputies he was on his way to trade the excavator for a skid steer loader but could not provide proof he owned the equipment.
Deputies said the excavator’s serial number matched the one reported stolen.
The equipment was recovered and returned to its owner.