A 48-year-old man is accused of stealing farm equipment earlier this year.

Platte County Prosecutor Eric Zahnd charged Michael Wayne Stroud with felony stealing following an investigation by the Platte County Sheriff's Department.

"We have been investigating a rash of heavy equipment thefts in Platte County for several months," said Sheriff Richard Anderson.

Mr. Stroud is alleged to have stolen four tractors, a travel trailer and hay rake worth more than $200,000 between May and July.

According to court records, Mr. Stroud allegedly participated in the following thefts:

May 13, a 2005 Jayco travel trailer worth approximately $31,000.

May 26, a John Deere tractor and loader worth approximately $67,000.

May 28, a New Holland tractor worth approximately $26,500.

July 7, a Case tractor with a loader worth approximately $55,000.

July 17, an H&S wheel hay rake worth approximately $11,000.

July 23, a John Deere tractor worth approximately $16,000.

A citizen's tip put sheriff's deputies on the trail of suspects. Investigators ultimately located two tractors.

A man told investigators he purchased one of the tractors from Mr. Stroud, Mr. Zahnd said. On Oct. 30, investigators served a search warrant at property owned by Mr. Stroud in Edgerton, where they found the travel trailer.

If convicted, Mr. Stroud faces up to 15 years in prison. The defendant is being held in the Platte County Jail in lieu of $50,000 cash bond.

Associate Circuit Judge Daniel Czamanske arraigned Mr. Stroud on Thursday. The defendant will return to court at 9 a.m. Tuesday.

Another suspect was picked up for questioning, and was later released by authorities.

Marshall White can be reached

at marshall@npgco.com.