Grand jury indictments were unsealed Monday against three men for their roles in a theft ring in which more than $100,000 worth of soft drinks from a Muskogee bottling company was stolen and then sold to convenience stores, casinos and individuals at a discount rate.
The indictments were unsealed in McIntosh and Muskogee county district courts. All three men, who allegedly stole the Coca-Cola products from their former employer, Love Bottling Co., pleaded not guilty and posted bonds of as much as $4,000.
A fourth man, Jack Paul Boyd Jr., whom prosecutors consider to be the ringleader, did not appear in court in McIntosh County to face charges of receiving stolen property and conspiracy to embezzle. District Judge Thomas Bartheld issued a warrant for Boyd's arrest and set his bail at $50,000.
Boyd is listed as having homes in Longtown and Okmulgee but is thought to have moved out of the state. Also indicted in McIntosh County was Michael Damon Plant, 31, on allegations of conspiracy to conceal stolen property and concealing stolen property. Steve Paul Witcraft, 30, was charged in Muskogee County District Court with conspiracy to conceal stolen property and conspiracy to embezzle.
Also in Muskogee County, Kevin Donald Thompson, 28, was charged with conspiracy to embezzle. The four men allegedly shared the proceeds from the illegal sales of some Budweiser products, but mostly soft drinks, Assistant Attorney General Joel-lyn McCormick said.
Boyd is the only defendant who was not a Love Bottling Co. employee. McCormick said the others worked for Love as route drivers, on the loading dock and in a supervisory position on the loading dock.
According to the indictments, the Coca-Cola products were delivered to the Checotah Indian Community Bingo Casino, to Witcraft's home in Checotah, and to Boyd's homes. Investigators believe that at least five businesses and about three individuals bought the products in Muskogee, McIntosh and Okmulgee counties, McCormick said.