Three Arrested in Lee County Theft Investigation

Suspects allegedly stole diesel fuel from government property and attempted to flee on an ATV.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 3:48pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a damaged fuel tank valve, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conveying a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic without any text or identifying elements.A damaged fuel tank valve serves as physical evidence in an investigation into a rural property theft.Lee Today

The Lee County Sheriff's Office arrested three individuals - Bryan Kettley, Codi Despain, and London Thomas - following an investigation into the theft of diesel fuel from the Nelson Township Building. Kettley and Despain allegedly cut wires to a fuel tank, stole the diesel, and tried to flee on an ATV, which later became inoperable. Thomas was arrested for obstructing justice by helping conceal the abandoned ATV. All three suspects were released in accordance with the Illinois SAFE-T Act.

Why it matters

This incident highlights ongoing challenges with property crime and theft, especially of government resources, in rural Illinois communities. The arrests also demonstrate how law enforcement is working to address these issues, even as criminal justice reforms like the SAFE-T Act change how suspects are processed.

The details

According to the Lee County Sheriff's Office, on March 22nd deputies arrested Bryan Kettley, 26, and Codi Despain, 20, both of Dixon, for allegedly cutting wires to a fuel tank at the Nelson Township Building and stealing diesel fuel. The suspects then tried to flee the scene on an ATV after the truck they had fueled became inoperable, but the ATV also broke down. During the investigation, deputies also arrested London Thomas, 22, of Dixon, for allegedly helping conceal the abandoned ATV.

  • On March 22nd, deputies arrested Kettley and Despain.
  • Thomas was also arrested during the course of the investigation.

The players

Bryan Kettley

A 26-year-old resident of Dixon, Illinois, who was arrested and charged with criminal damage to government property, theft of government property, and theft under $500.

Codi Despain

A 20-year-old resident of Dixon, Illinois, who was arrested and charged along with Kettley for the same offenses.

London Thomas

A 22-year-old resident of Dixon, Illinois, who was arrested for obstructing justice by allegedly helping conceal the abandoned ATV used by Kettley and Despain.

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What’s next

All three suspects were released in accordance with the Illinois SAFE-T Act, and the Lee County Sheriff's Office continues to investigate the incident.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges rural Illinois communities face with property crimes and the need for continued vigilance and cooperation between law enforcement and citizens to address these issues, even as criminal justice reforms change how suspects are processed.