Reclaimed bricks: suspect fakes ownership, sells them

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — A man was arrested after allegedly posing as the owner of reclaimed bricks and selling them to an unsuspecting buyer for $2,100.

On Sunday, May 18, the Vicksburg Police Department was called to Locust Street to take a report from the rightful property owner regarding the theft of the bricks.

According to Warren County Sheriff Martin Pace, a suspect had falsely claimed ownership of the bricks and arranged a sale with a buyer. The buyer met the suspect twice, paying $1800 and then returned to pay an additional $300, unaware he was not the rightful owner. Because the exchange took place in the county, the Warren County Sheriff’s Office took over the investigation.

Kanton Mark McKay, 29-years-old, was arrested and charged with felony false pretense. During the arrest, authorities also discovered an outstanding warrant for criminal trespass.

McKay appeared before Judge Jeff Crevitt on May 20 and was issued a $6,000 bond—$5,000 for the false pretense charge and $1,000 for the earlier trespass warrant.

The reclaimed bricks have since been recovered.