SPRINGFIELD, Mo. - The U.S. Marshals Service is searching for James Farmer Lewis. Lewis has federal felony convictions for stealing tractor trailers full of shipped goods from all over the country.
Deputy U.S. Marshal Mike Walker said, "Mr. Lewis steals tractor trailer loads. Tractors occasionally. but trailer loads of goods frequently, and he's been indicted for interstate theft and transportation of stolen goods for at least the second time that I know of." In fact, Lewis has several federal convictions in Missouri, Oklahoma and Illinois all related to those trailer thefts.
Walker said, "Mr. Lewis backed his tractor under the trailer and stole the trailer load of goods, which was candy bars from Nestles and Wonka brand that was coming out of Illinois. Later, there was a trailer load of goods involving Axe brand body products that was recovered here in Springfield that Mr. Lewis had also stolen."
Deputies say Lewis has been at this for years, and depending on the luck of the draw, can steal loads worth up to a million dollars in minutes. Walker added, "He's just very prolific at this and has continued to do it for at least the last 15 years that I know of."
Walker's advice for the trucking industry? "Well certainly you should pay attention to it, and certainly to all the people involved in the business you should be paying attention to a truck that would be around a business, because it may not be the truck that's supposed to be picking up the trailer."
Lewis also has convictions for domestic assault and has been known to get violent when he drinks. So if you see him, deputies warn not to approach him. Just call them.
Lewis is 67-years old, 5'11", 180 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes. If you know where he is, call the U.S. Marshals at (417) 831-0588.
Deputy U.S. Marshal Mike Walker said, "Mr. Lewis steals tractor trailer loads. Tractors occasionally. but trailer loads of goods frequently, and he's been indicted for interstate theft and transportation of stolen goods for at least the second time that I know of." In fact, Lewis has several federal convictions in Missouri, Oklahoma and Illinois all related to those trailer thefts.
Walker said, "Mr. Lewis backed his tractor under the trailer and stole the trailer load of goods, which was candy bars from Nestles and Wonka brand that was coming out of Illinois. Later, there was a trailer load of goods involving Axe brand body products that was recovered here in Springfield that Mr. Lewis had also stolen."
Deputies say Lewis has been at this for years, and depending on the luck of the draw, can steal loads worth up to a million dollars in minutes. Walker added, "He's just very prolific at this and has continued to do it for at least the last 15 years that I know of."
Walker's advice for the trucking industry? "Well certainly you should pay attention to it, and certainly to all the people involved in the business you should be paying attention to a truck that would be around a business, because it may not be the truck that's supposed to be picking up the trailer."
Lewis also has convictions for domestic assault and has been known to get violent when he drinks. So if you see him, deputies warn not to approach him. Just call them.
Lewis is 67-years old, 5'11", 180 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes. If you know where he is, call the U.S. Marshals at (417) 831-0588.
