More Charges Handed Down in $350,000 Heist

A Gans man is facing three felony charges related to the July theft of $350,000 worth of property from a Gans home, according to an affidavit filed Aug. 5.

The affidavit shows that George Erin Richardson, 42, faces felony charges of third-degree burglary, grand larceny and knowingly concealing stolen property in the case.

On July 13, a police report shows, Richardson told another man, Andrew James Blackshere, also of Gans, that he had contacted the property’s owners and they were to clear out the buildings because the owners wanted to demolish them. 

After the alleged heist, the pair took the items to a LeFlore County swap meet, where they sold two trailer loads of antique clocks, lamps and more. The first load, approximately 150 grandmother clocks, netted about $600 cash. The second load, also filled with grandmother clocks and other antiques, earned the two about $850.

Richardson also allegedly took several lawnmowers, tillers, a zero-turn mower and several Weedeaters from the property, which were sold at the swap meet. According to a police report, Richardson then convinced Blackshere to take some of the items to Fort Smith-area pawn shops and sell them, which he reportedly did.

Richardson also had approximately $1,850 worth of silver bars and coins, the report shows. He took the loot to a Fort Smith precious metals dealer, but the man did not have enough money to complete the transaction. Richardson made arrangements to meet him the following day, but the two alleged thieves were arrested before the deal could be made.

Richardson was arrested July 25 at his Gans home, where law enforcement officials discovered an antique bicycle and a garden tiller that also had been reported stolen.

A Muldrow woman also has been charged in the case after allegedly helping the two men sell their ill-gotten gains. 

Richardson paid a $10,000 bond and was released from jail. Records show that Blackshere remains in custody.

The second-degree burglary charge is punishable by imprisonment for up to 7 years. The grand larceny charge carries an 8-year term in prison. The charge for knowingly concealing stolen property has a sentence of imprisonment in the Department of Corrections for up to 8 years, or a fine of no more than $500, or both.

Laura Brown, KXMX Staff Writer

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