Investigations wrapped up recently involving a Sterling woman and two others charged in connection with a burglary ring involving utility vehicles and tools stolen across county lines.
This case stems from a multi-agency investigation that crossed several county lines (Lee, Carroll, and Whiteside) earlier this month. The investigation centered on the theft of high-value utility vehicles and professional-grade tools.
The Crime & Investigation
The spree began when the Lee County Sheriff’s Office reported a burglary at a property on Mound Hill Road in rural Dixon. The thieves made off with two Polaris Ranger utility vehicles and a significant number of tools.
Following an anonymous tip that the stolen property had been moved, a search warrant was executed on February 6th, at a residence in the 200 block of West Fifth Street in Milledgeville (Carroll County). Law enforcement recovered the stolen items and took three individuals into custody.
The Suspects and Charges
Three people were charged in connection with the investigation, including one woman from Sterling:
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Precious R. Crow (24, of Sterling): Charged with Possession of Methamphetamine (Class 3 felony). She was granted pretrial release and has a preliminary hearing scheduled for February 20th, 2026.
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Ross P. Hartman (30, of Milledgeville): Charged with two counts of Unlawful Possession of a Stolen Vehicle (Class 2 felony). He is also scheduled for a preliminary hearing on February 20th.
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David J. Lohnes (24, of Chadwick): Charged with Driving While License Suspended (Class A misdemeanor).
Multi-Agency Cooperation
The “ring” was dismantled through a massive collaborative effort. Because the theft occurred in Lee County, the property was found in Carroll County, and the suspects hailed from various towns (including Whiteside County), several departments were involved:
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Whiteside County Sheriff’s Office
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Lee County Sheriff’s Office
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Carroll County Sheriff’s Office
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Dixon Police Department
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Milledgeville Police Department
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Illinois State Police Blackhawk Area Task Force
Authorities have indicated that the case remains under investigation, and additional charges related to the initial burglary in Dixon are pending as they tie the suspects more directly to the theft itself.
All are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.