Echols County Man Arrested for Stealing Boston Butt from Fundraiser at High School

An Echols County man was arrested today for stealing a Boston butt off of a smoker at Echols County High School during a fundraiser.  Echols County Sheriff’s Office identified the “Boston Butt Bandit”, who trespassed on school property on his bicycle and was caught on camera stealing the Boston butt, as 35-year-old Joshua Bolesta. According to ECSO, he admitted to stealing the Boston butt and stated it was so good it didn’t even need barbeque sauce. Bolesta also stated he knew where to find the Boston butt, because he could smell them being cooked from outside his residence and followed the smoke smell. 

When ECSO deputies executed warrants at Bolesta’s residence, they discovered what was left of the Boston butt, along with some methamphetamine. He was charged with Felony Possession of Methamphetamine, Misdemeanor Theft by Taking, and Misdemeanor Criminal Trespass.

From ECSO:

Sheriff Courson states the Boston Butt Bandit was apprehended Friday, November 4th, 2022 by the Echols County Sheriff’s Office following a brief investigation into a theft that occurred overnight at the Echols County High School. The Echols County FFA was conducting a Boston Butt Fundraiser behind the Ag shop during the early morning hours of November 4th. At approximately 0300, Joshua Bolesta, 35 of Statenville trespassed on the school property on his bicycle and was caught on camera stealing a Boston Butt from the smoker. School officials notified the Sheriff’s Office Friday morning of the theft and Bolesta was immediately identified by Sheriff’s Office personnel. A search warrant as well as two arrest warrants were issued for Bolesta and his residence. Deputies executed the search warrant Friday morning and discovered the remainder of the stolen Boston Butt along with a quantity of Methamphetamine laying in plain view of deputies conducting the search. Bolesta admitted to stealing the Boston Butt and stated it was so good it didn’t even need barbeque sauce. Bolesta stated he knew where to find the Boston Butt because he could smell them being cooked from outside his residence and followed the smoke smell. Bolesta was taken into custody and charged with Felony Possession of Methamphetamine, Misdemeanor Theft by Taking, and Misdemeanor Criminal Trespass.