Macon County -- July 30, 2026: A multi-week investigation into a string of commercial thefts in Macon County culminated in an arrest and the recovery of multiple stolen utility vehicles and trailers, according to officials with the Macon County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies launched the investigation following repeated reports of side-by-side utility vehicles and trailers being stolen from local businesses across the county. As evidence developed, investigators traced a stolen trailer to a property located at 18 Dendy Orchard Road in Highlands.
Upon securing and executing a search warrant at the residence, MCSO detectives uncovered a sizable stash of stolen property. In total, authorities recovered:
Four stolen trailers
Four stolen side-by-side utility vehicles
All recovered vehicles and trailers are believed to have been taken from businesses operating within Macon County.
Following the search, deputies arrested Ian Spies in connection with the operation. Spies has been charged with five counts of Felony Possession of Stolen Goods.
The Macon County Sheriff’s Office stated that the investigation remains active and ongoing. Detectives are continuing work to identify the rightful owners of all recovered items and are auditing additional property located at the scene to determine if further items were stolen. Authorities noted that additional charges against Spies or other involved parties may be forthcoming.