Identity Crimes Unit Investigation into Stolen Parts and Equipment Leads to Arrest of Unilever Employee

NASHVILLE – Investigators with the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security’s Identity Crimes Unit (ICU) this week arrested an employee on multiple felony charges at the Unilever Manufacturing Facility in Covington following an investigation into stolen parts and equipment at the facility.

Investigators arrested Unilever employee Steve Turnage on the charges of scheming and planning theft over $60,000 and filing a false report (2 counts). The investigation was requested by District Attorney Mike Dunavant of the 25th Judicial District after an internal investigation revealed approximately $300,000 000 in high value parts were missing from the plant facility. These items were believed to have been sold on eBay.

Part of the investigation included a “buy” operation in which several item were purchased that were later verified by Unilever supervisors as being stolen valves from their manufacturing plant. The Tennessee Highway Patrol’s Criminal Investigation Division, the Tipton County Sheriff’s Office, and the Covington Police Department assisted with the investigation.

Investigators arrested Turnage on October 19 and booked him into the Tipton County Criminal Justice Complex. Booking photos may be obtained by contacting Tipton County Sheriff’s Office. 

The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security’s (www.TN.Gov/safety) mission is to serve, secure, and protect the people of Tennessee.

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