OSAGE COUNTY —  Tanner M. Cripe, of Wabash, Ind., was charged last week with two counts of theft ($750 or more), tampering with a motor vehicle, tampering with computer equipment, and second-degree burglary following a protracted investigation into recent theft incidents that occurred at Linn R-2 and Classic Buildings.

Sheriff Mike Bonham expressed his appreciation for the hard work and determination shown by his investigative team throughout this case. “I am incredibly thankful for the dedication and persistence of our deputies who worked tirelessly to bring this investigation to a close,” he said. “Their commitment to protecting our community and pursuing justice is commendable. I also want to extend a sincere thank-you to the Linn Police Department for their outstanding assistance and cooperation in this case.”

On Oct. 17, 2025, Det. Dennis Sutton noted in his probable cause statement that school officials reported the theft occurred on Oct. 15 at about 4:15 a.m., when Cripe allegedly entered the district’s property and pulled up next to Linn R-2’s 2013 Chevrolet Malibu. Video showed him removing two wheels and tires from that car and placing them on his Chevrolet Monte Carlo.

Sutton reported that the defendant’s vehicle was set up to be used as a pilot car for wide-load transport. Replacement parts and labor for the school’s vehicle are estimated to cost $2,459.58, according to court documents.

During the course of the investigation, detectives developed leads that connected this theft to a separate incident at Classic Buildings, which produced a photo of the suspect, which was posted on Facebook in an effort to identify him.

On Oct. 17, the sheriff’s office received information from an Indiana resident identifying Cripe. Further, it was learned that the suspect had a criminal history in Indiana, including convictions for burglary (2007), felony theft (2012), and domestic assault (2025).

Linn PD Sgt. Darrell Chrisenberry noted in his probable cause statement that Cripe was shown on security footage walking around the property at about midnight. Cripe allegedly knowingly destroyed property, including exterior window screens, which were cut out to provide access to the office area.

Chrisenberry reported that fingerprints were collected. Cripe reportedly removed a security camera and computer from the office. He also tampered with a router and other network devices. A ball cap seen in security footage as worn by Cripe was recovered at the scene and preserved as evidence.

Classic Buildings was unable to conduct business until the stolen and damaged items were replaced.

According to Chrisenberry’s report, Cripe located a fireproof box and the key in one of the offices and stole $2,689 in cash. He allegedly entered a second office and stole $1,000 from the owner’s backpack.

In addition to the cash and computer equipment, Chrisenberry noted that six additional cameras and drones were stolen from a separate office.

The total cost of property damage was $3,959.72, and stolen items were tallied at $8,213.71, for an overall total of $12,173.43.

Cripe was taken into custody in Indiana and is currently awaiting extradition to Missouri to face charges filed on Oct. 28 by Prosecuting Attorney Amanda Grellner. Bond was set at $100,000.

Sheriff Bonham reminded residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity immediately. Vehicle and property thefts often occur during nighttime or early morning hours. Citizens are urged to remove valuables from vehicles and lock all doors, park in well-lit areas when possible, and report any unfamiliar individuals or vehicles lingering around schools, businesses, or neighborhoods.

“Community awareness and timely reporting play a vital role in helping law enforcement prevent and solve crimes,” said Bonham. “Working together, we can keep Osage County safe.”