Five accused of stealing more than $1,400 in quarters

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ)- Lexington Police says five people are accused of breaking into multiple coin-operated air pumps and stealing more than $1,400 in quarters.

Police say 37-year-old Joseph Estep was seen by an officer taking money from an air machine at a Speedway on March 17. They say Estep was then seen getting into a truck being driven by his girlfriend, 33-year-old Melissa Lear.

Police say that after making contact with Estep and Lear, around $10 in quarters fell from Estep’s lap, when he was getting out of the truck. They say after searching the truck, officers found hundreds more dollars in quarters, along with a stolen license plate, pliers, and other tools.

LPD says Estep and Lear know the other three men accused of similar crimes in recent months.

They say 40-year-old Wesley Jackson was arrested in Richmond on March 18 for a Fayette County warrant for theft by unlawful taking.

Detectives say they believe Jackson learned how to break into air machines from 44-year-old Steven Pelfrey. Pelfrey was arrested earlier this month and charged with criminal mischief and theft by unlawful taking. There is an active warrant for his cousin, 34-year-old Nathan Pelfrey.

Estep is charged with two counts of criminal mischief, possession of burglary tools, drug paraphernalia, three counts of unlawful taking, and theft of a motor vehicle registration plate.

Lear is charged with two counts of criminal mischief, possession of burglary tools, two counts of theft by unlawful taking, and theft of motor vehicle registration plate.

Anyone with information about Nathan Pelfrey’s whereabouts is asked to call Lexington Police at (859) 258-3600.

Anonymous tips, including photos and videos, can be submitted by texting LEXPD plus the tip to CRIMES (274637). Information can also be sent anonymously through Bluegrass Crime Stoppers at (859) 253-2020 or www.bluegrasscrimestoppers.com.