On October 21, 2018 the owners of Phat Foam Insulation in Lander reported a burglary at the business located on Tweed Lane. A 2007 Jeep Rubicon, a HaulMark enclosed trailer, four snowmobiles, a bicycle, and several other work items had been stolen.
Later that day, vehicle owners reported that their 2008 Toyota Tacoma had been stolen from the SageWest Hospital parking lot in Lander.
On October 22nd, staff at SageWest Lander spoke with law enforcement about a patient they believed that may had been involved with the theft.
After reviewing security footage, staff identified 35-year-old William Posey. Posey had been dropped off at the hospital in the 2007 Jeep Rubicon, with license plates matching the one that was stolen.
Later that day, two females and one male were seen speaking with Posey at the hospital.
On October 23rd, Bureau of Indian Affairs investigators applied for and were granted a search warrant for Posey’s property in Fort Washakie. At his residence, they located the Jeep. It was then towed back to Lander.
On October 25th, BIA officers located the stolen 2008 Toyota Tacoma in Ethete. The vehicle driver of the vehicle was William Posey.
Officers noted in court documents that the truck had damage to the tailgate and universal ball hitch. There was also a bicycle inside the bed of the truck. The bicycle matched the one that was also stolen from Phat Foam Insulation.
Court documents show Posey admitted to taking the Tacoma but denied the burglary at Phat Foam Insulation.
BIA investigators showed in documents that Posey’s show pattern matched a shoe print pattern found at Phat Foam Insulation.
Ultimately, the Jeep, Tacoma, trailer, and bicycle were recovered. 4 snowmobiles were not recovered. A photo and details about the missing property can be found here.
Posey is currently accused of one count of burglary and one count of theft. Both charges individually are punishable by up to 10 years of imprisonment and fines of up to $10,000.
On February 13th, Posey waived his preliminary hearing. The matter will be transferred to District Court at a later date for arraignment.
All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.