HOPE – On October 2nd, Hempstead County Deputy Pennington responded to the department’s lobby in reference to someone needing to file a report.
Upon arrival, Deputy Pennington made contact with the victim who provided the following information. The victim stated on October 1, 2026, at approximately 11:00 pm, her cellular game camera at her deer lease sent a photograph. The victim showed Deputy Pennington the photograph and observed one white female and one white male walking towards the camera. The victim stated she went to the property an observed the camera had been taken. The victim also stated she had left a Raven Camouflage and Black crossbow inside of her ground blind and observed the crossbow to be taken, along with a camouflage tripod that was located inside the ground blind. The victim valued the crossbow at approximately $2,000.
After an investigation, a probable cause affidavit was signed by Circuit Judge Joe Short and a warrant was issued for Daniel Witcher.
On October 8th, Daniel Witcher was arrested and charged with Theft of Property. He is being held at the Hempstead County Detention Center awaiting his first court appearance.
The crossbow was recovered and returned to the owner, along with two other game cameras from another theft. The investigation is ongoing, and other arrests are expected.
The Hempstead County Sheriff’s Office appreciates the public’s assistance in helping to investigate property crimes.