Man charged with felony theft after attempting to sell sewer grates from Rockford’s southeast side

Online Staff Report

At 11:20 a.m., July 28, Rockford Police officers responded to Joe Behr Metals, 1100 Seminary, regarding two people trying to sell sewer grates. On arrival, officers located Richard T. Rafferty, 43, in possession of three sewer grates.

Further investigation was done by Rockford Police detectives that revealed these grates were taken from the southeast area of Rockford. Rafferty had also been involved in nine other thefts of sewer grates.

Rafferty has been charged with felony theft and is lodged at the Winnebago County Jail.

Police say this is an ongoing investigation and further arrests are possible.