A burglary and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle reported on June 24, 2025, led to the arrest of four individuals and the recovery of a large amount of stolen property, including a truck, trailer, tools, a firearm, and other items.
The initial report to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office included the theft of a pickup truck, a utility trailer, and various tools. A follow-up with the victim added a firearm to the list of stolen property.
On June 25, 2025, deputies located the stolen vehicle and arrested the driver, James Benjamin Tidwell, for Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle. He was also found to have an active out-of-state felony warrant. The passenger, Heather Lee Hartless, was arrested for Possession of a Controlled Substance.
That same day, deputies identified Andrew Michael Key as a suspect after he was arrested while in possession of property matching that stolen in the burglary. A search warrant executed on his vehicle and trailer revealed a riding mower and tools later confirmed to belong to the victim. A second search warrant executed at a residence led to the recovery of additional stolen property.
Further investigation revealed Matthew Earl Mars was also involved in the burglary and theft.
Arrests and Charges:
James Benjamin Tidwell
-
Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity (Felony 1)
-
Theft of Property ≥ $2,500 < $30,000 (Felony 2)
-
Possession of a Controlled Substance (Felony 2)
-
Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle (State Jail Felony)
Heather Lee Hartless
-
Possession of a Controlled Substance PG 1/1B >4g<200g (Felony 2)
-
Theft of Property ≥ $2,500 < $30,000 (Felony 2)
-
Possession of a Controlled Substance PG 1/1B ≥1g<4g (Felony 3)
Andrew Michael Key
-
Theft of Property ≥ $2,500 < $30,000 (Felony 2)
-
Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Felon (Felony 3)
Matthew Earl Mars
-
Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity (Felony 1)
-
Burglary of a Habitation (Felony 2)
-
Burglary of a Building (State Jail Felony)
The investigation is ongoing.
