Three Pike County men have been charged in the theft of more than 16,000 gallons of diesel fuel from the Sanderson Farms processing plant.

Sheriff Mark Shepherd said the arrests are the result of an investigation that began in July. According to sheriff’s reports, the fuel was taken during a series of thefts that occurred from January to July.

Facing charges are 35-year-old Russell Phillips of Summit, 37-year-old Walter Eubanks and 44-year-old Clarence Burton Junior, both of Magnolia.

The men are accused of taking the diesel and then selling it to others.

Shepherd said the arrests were made late Tuesday night and early Wednesday after deputies executed search warrants at Phillips’ and Burton’s homes.