A Mountain Home man accused in connection with last month’s break-ins at North Arkansas Electric Cooperative (NAEC) has been charged with five additional felonies. James Patrick Lally, 43, remains in custody as police continue their investigation. Records show he has a history of 17 prior felony arrests in Arkansas.
According to the Mountain Home Police Department’s probable cause affidavit, a July 22 break-in at Bright Speed led officers to discover a cut fence, with tools and copper wiring valued at approximately $2,600 stolen from three work trucks. Just days earlier, on July 18 and 19, investigators had identified Lally and another man, Kevin Beck, as suspects in break-ins at the NAEC.
On July 23, police arrested Beck after locating him at Walmart. Items stolen from both NAEC and Bright Speed were reportedly found in Beck’s vehicle. Investigators also searched Beck’s phone and uncovered text messages with Lally. In the texts, Lally allegedly claimed ownership of the stolen property and sought to arrange a meeting with Beck to retrieve it. Lally was taken into custody on his way to meet Beck.
The latest charges against Lally include three counts of breaking or entering a vehicle, one count of commercial burglary, and one count of theft of property. He also faces a penalty enhancement as a habitual offender, bringing his bond for these charges to $25,000. Lally had previously been charged with two counts of commercial burglary, one count of theft of property valued over $25,000, one count of theft of property valued between $1,000 and $5,000, and another count of breaking or entering a vehicle, with bond on those charges set at $50,000.
Beck is charged with two felony counts of theft by receiving. He was released after posting a $25,000 bond.
Public records reveal a lengthy history of felony arrests for Lally, beginning in 2011. Fourteen of those arrests occurred in Baxter County, and two were in Washington County. His prior charges include commercial burglary, theft of property, possession of controlled substances and drug paraphernalia, fleeing, resisting arrest, theft of scrap metal, criminal mischief, and possession of firearms as a convicted felon. He has also been charged with fleeing on foot, failure to appear, and endangering the welfare of a minor.
Court records indicate Lally has served prison sentences with the Arkansas Department of Corrections on multiple occasions, in addition to jail time and probation.
The investigation into the recent break-ins remains ongoing.