Suspect Arrested and Charged in Sunshine Village Thefts

A recent string of thefts at the senior housing complex launched a search for Dustin Chaney, 38, of Willow Springs. While the Willow Springs Police Department investigated the theft of several items from the recreation center and homes at the senior housing development, Chaney was identified as a suspect from surveillance footage and by a backpack left at the scene that contained identifying information. 

 

At the time of the crimes, Chaney was wanted for a warrant issued through Howell County Sheriff’s Office. In a phone interview with Howell County News on January 28, Sheriff Brent Campbell said Chaney was arrested on January 23 while in the company of a suspect in an unrelated matter. Chaney was taken into custody for his warrant and booked into Howell County Jail. 

 

Prosecuting Attorney Matthew Weatherman charged Chaney with second degree burglary, a class D felony, on January 25. His bond was set at $10,000. 

 

Chaney has a lengthy criminal record and has multiple pending criminal charges at this time, including violations of restraining orders and multiple felony drug charges on which he forfeited his bond when he was charged with this burglary. He remains in custody at Howell County Jail. 

 

Police have not yet charged Chaney’s female accomplice who listed and sold the stolen property on Facebook Marketplace. That investigation is ongoing.