ST. GEORGE – Police are still actively seeking information regarding the whereabouts of 35-year-old Joshua Richards, wanted for his role in a spree of vehicle burglaries and credit card fraud cases; however, police have located the silver Volkswagen Jetta Richards drove when he fled from police Sunday afternoon.
The Jetta driven by Richards was recovered Monday at approximately 9:30 p.m. in St. George and is now in police possession, St. George Police Sgt. Spencer Holmes said.
A search warrant for the Jetta was approved, Holmes said, and the vehicle search produced additional evidence, including stolen credit cards and other items.
“It looks like several more credit cards and identifications were found (inside the vehicle) from additional vehicle burglaries,” Holmes said. “There was also additional evidence of fraudulent activity found inside the vehicle.”
Richards’ girlfriend and alleged accomplice in the crimes, 20-year-old Jesse Edmiston, was arrested Sunday and charged with 11 third-degree felonies, seven class A misdemeanors and two class B misdemeanors for multiple theft and fraud charges. Edmiston was also charged for not stopping when police commanded her to do so. Her bail pending trial stands at $69,795.
However, Holmes said, Edmiston is not cooperating with the investigation.
“She requested a lawyer right away and would not talk about the case or her involvement with it,” Holmes said.
Richards remains a suspect in multiple vehicle burglaries and credit card fraud cases and the St. George Police Department is asking the public’s help in locating him.
Anyone with information regarding Richards’ whereabouts is asked to contact the St. George Police Department at 435-627-4300. Information provided will remain confidential to protect the safety of anyone providing information leading to his arrest.
Richards has significant criminal history and suspected gang ties, and police are advising the public to use caution if he is spotted.
“He is a local person with local ties here,” Holmes said. “He’s also a documented gang member. He has extensive involvement with our police agencies in the area, so use caution when dealing with him.”
Persons arrested or charged are presumed innocent until found guilty in a court of law or as otherwise decided by a trier-of-fact.
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“She requested a lawyer right away and would not talk about the case or her involvement with it”
She’s still ticked off because Mr Richards (the perp) ran off with the car and left her to fend for herself in that parking lot!
“He’s also a documented gang member. He has extensive involvement with our police agencies in the area, so use caution when dealing with him.”
At what point is he incarcerated so that he doesn’t plague the area, for a very long time?
Yeah just another worthless meth head