A man suspected of being involved in a large theft ring that allegedly stole merchandise from several local businesses last year was taken into custody last week by deputies with the Covington County Sheriff’s Department.

Chief Deputy David Anderson said 19-year-old Paul A. Daw of Brewton was arrested by Deputy Joey Cato Tuesday and has been charged with four counts of theft of property, as well as six grand jury indictments – four for theft of property in the first degree, as well as two for theft of property in the second degree.

Daw was first arrested in connection with the crimes in December 2013 in Escambia County, along with three other suspects. At that time, he was charged with two counts of theft of property II; one count of receiving stolen property II; three counts of theft of property I; and two counts of burglary III.

Daw’s six Covington County grand jury indictments stem from allegations that he stole merchandise, including trailers and lawn mowers from SunSouth John Deere, worth more than $5,000; golf carts from J.R.’s Lawnmower Shop; and a utility trailer, 42 tires and a Chevrolet Silverado pick-up truck from Andalusia Tire.

Anderson said Daw is suspected of being involved with multiple thefts at SunSouth, John Deere, Ireland Trailer Sales, J.M. Jackson Chevrolet-Buick, Andalusia Tire Co., and J.R.’s Lawnmower Shop.

In November 2013, Sgt. Roger Cender with the Andalusia Police Department said thieves had struck the SunSouth location alone once a month for three months, stealing approximately $30,000 of equipment. Cender said he believed the crimes to be part of a multi-state theft ring.

In December, the four suspects were arrested in Escambia County, and found to be in possession of stolen property from the locations. At that time, Escambia County Sheriff’s Department Chief Deputy Mike Lambert said the suspects were also in possession of items reported stolen from other counties.

Daw was booked into the Covington County Jail Tues., April 8, and held on a $230,000 bond.