Winamac Man Facing Felony Charges in Four Counties
A Winamac man is facing a growing list of felony charges across four Indiana counties following a series of alleged crimes involving stolen vehicles and equipment, fleeing police, and drug possession.
Equipment Theft & Police Chase – Jasper County
The investigation began on May 5, 2025, when a farmer in Jasper County reported a white 2002 International semi-truck and flatbed trailer stolen from his property near Rensselaer. The trailer had been loaded with seed and a 2,500-gallon fertilizer tank. That same day, a Caterpillar mini excavator and a Takeuchi skid steer went missing from a nearby construction site at Fair Oaks Park.
Police tracked GPS data from one of the stolen machines to a property in Russellville, Putnam County, where they recovered the semi, trailer, and skid steer. The excavator was found abandoned nearby. Witnesses told investigators that Scott D. Rector, 54, brought the equipment to the property.
Just days earlier, on April 25, a Jasper County detective attempted to stop a vehicle believed to be connected to the thefts. The driver—later identified as Rector—allegedly led police on a high-speed pursuit before fleeing on foot. When later questioned by law enforcement, Rector reportedly said he “thought the cops were going to take him to jail,” which is why he ran. He also told officers he had called his girlfriend during the chase and said, “The cops are behind me, I’m going to jail.”
Utility Vehicle Theft – Clay County
On May 6, the Brazil VFW Post 1127 reported the theft of a green trailer and a 2024 Kawasaki side-by-side utility vehicle. Both were later recovered on the same Putnam County property. The ignition had been tampered with, and a screwdriver was found inside. Witness statements and digital messages linked Rector to the theft.
One message, allegedly sent from Rector’s phone to a family member, described the VFW property as “an easy target.”
Drug Arrest – Pulaski County
On December 22, 2024, Rector was pulled over near Broken Arrow Campground in Pulaski County for failing to stop at a stop sign. A K9 unit alerted to the vehicle, and a subsequent search turned up a bag of marijuana and a small amount of methamphetamine.
During questioning, Rector admitted that the drugs belonged to him.
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Charges Filed
Jasper County:
• Three counts of theft (property valued over $50,000) – Level 5 Felonies
• Resisting law enforcement using a vehicle – Level 6 Felony
Clay County:
• Auto theft – theft of a motor vehicle – Level 6 Felony
Pulaski County:
• Possession of methamphetamine (<5g) – Level 6 Felony
• Possession of marijuana with a prior drug conviction – Class A Misdemeanor
Habitual Offender Status
Prosecutors have filed a habitual offender enhancement, citing Rector’s previous felony convictions:
• Theft – Pulaski County (2021)
• Theft – Parke County (2022)
• Resisting Law Enforcement – Jasper County (2011)
Rector is currently lodged in the Jasper County Jail.
