A 39-year-old Camrose man has been sentenced to three-and-a-half years in prison for his role in a theft ring that stole $3.1 million worth of farm and construction equipment across the region. Jeffery Roblin pleaded guilty to possession of property obtained by crime and trafficking in property obtained by crime, according to the Camrose Police Service.
The sentencing, handed down September 2, 2026, closes the case for Roblin in what police called Operation Elephant, a nearly three-year investigation led by the ALERT Auto Crimes Unit. The investigation began in 2021 after tips from the public and resulted in charges against four people on May 15, 2024.
During the investigation, officers recovered nearly 90 stolen vehicles, trailers, farming equipment, and other heavy machinery. Most of the property has been returned to its rightful owners. In November 2022, police executed 17 search warrants in Camrose, Camrose County, Ponoka County, and Hillsdale, Saskatchewan, with about 170 officers from multiple agencies taking part.
A second accused person, Gaye Turnbull, 70, is scheduled for trial in April 2027. The Alberta Crown Prosecution Service also criminally restrained nine residential and commercial properties connected to the case.
The thefts hit close to home for rural residents, where high-value farm equipment is often central to a family’s livelihood. Police say the stolen items were allegedly used in farming and equipment rental businesses.
