By Joel Phelps
The Arkadelphian

Two Hot Spring County men face local felony charges after allegedly breaking into the Clark County Landfill and stealing numerous items from that office.

According to court documents filed this week, Chase Emery Wolgamott, 34, of 989 Phillips Road, Rockport; and Johnny Nichols, 48, forced entry into the landfill office in October. 

Clark County investigators were summoned to the landfill office on Oct. 8 after learning the place had been ransacked overnight. Among the items stolen were a complete computer system including its hard drive, screen, keyboard and printer/scanner; tools; the hardline phone and charger; a small flatscreen television; and a small air compressor.

Investigators reviewed video footage from security cameras located at the landfill and observed two suspects approach the gate on foot and enter the landfill property by tearing down a portion of fence adjacent to the gate post.

[adrotate banner=”8″]

Following a nearly month-long investigation and chasing “numerous” leads, investigators got a break when an unnamed source identified Wolgamott and Nichols (also known as “Johnny Bravo”) as the suspects.

The affidavit indicates that both suspects have lengthy criminal history, and that Wolgamott has criminal history in Arkansas, Colorado and California.

On Oct. 28, officers with the Malvern Police Department and Group 6 Narcotics Unit arrested Wolgamott; Nichols was already incarcerated in Saline County on unrelated charges.

The two are charged with criminal trespassing, breaking or entering, commercial burglary and theft of property.