Two men from Wheatland, Wyoming, are facing felony theft charges after allegedly taking large boulders from a private ruby mining claim in Albany County, Cowboy State Daily reports.
John Hall, 44, and John McVey, 54, are accused of stealing rocks from the mine over the course of a year. If convicted, both men could face up to 10 years in prison and $10,000 in fines.
The case, which originated in August 2023, involves allegations that the men repeatedly trespassed on the ruby claim located near the Albany and Platte County line. Albany County Sheriff’s Deputy Michael Flores began investigating the thefts following a report of ongoing trespassing, although he initially was unable to identify a suspect. Thirteen months later, in September 2024, the mine’s owner identified a blue truck on her property, allegedly tied to McVey, who had been living on the nearby ranch where he was formerly employed.
The claim owner estimated that the boulders, containing rubies potentially worth up to $4,000 each, had substantial value. One large boulder seized from Hall reportedly weighed 243 pounds and was valued at $5,000, with the potential to be worth more if rubies were inside. Deputy Flores removed a total of 420 pounds of stones from Hall’s possession during the investigation.
In interviews, both men stated that they were unaware of the rocks’ value, saying they intended to use them as decorative elements. However, the affidavits filed in their cases indicate they admitted to entering the mining claim and taking stones. The Albany County Public Defender’s Office has not yet commented on the case.
