It’s been a long and frustrating six weeks for horse trainer Douglas Spink and the syndicate who own show-jumping stallion Capone 1. The stallion was allegedly stolen from his stable in Bellingham, Wash., on May 16.

While Spink says the horse has been located and that one of the horse’s former managers admitted to law enforcement officials that she took Capone, the horse has yet to be returned to his rightful owners. Additionally, the accused individual has not yet been charged.

Capone 1

Chief Jeff Parks of the Whatcom County Sheriff’s office, who has been handling the case, said the investigation has been referred to the prosecuting attorney for the county. This individual will review the case and determine whether or not to prosecute. Parks was unable to confirm that Capone is still in Canada.

With legal bills mounting as Spink and his business partners strive to have the case resolved, a $5,000 reward has been offered to whomever can safely and legally effect Capone’s return to his home barn.

Spink said he is deeply grateful for the extraordinary support of the horse community at large as he and others work to have Capone returned.

Adding another twist to the story, one of the protection dogs at the Bellingham facility where Capone lived was killed two weeks ago during another attempted break-in.