In a case that highlights both the passion of sports collectors and the vulnerabilities of valuable private holdings, authorities in Lincoln County have charged a 30-year-old O’Fallon man with stealing more than $50,000 worth of baseball memorabilia from a local residence. The investigation gained momentum when a distinctive stolen item—a game-used base—surfaced for sale on eBay, ultimately tying the suspect to the crime.
Joshua DePriest faces a single felony count of stealing property valued at $750 or more. The alleged thefts occurred between July and August 2025, according to court documents. Investigators noted that the victim, a known acquaintance of DePriest, had amassed an extensive collection of baseball memorabilia over the years, fueled by a deep affinity for the St. Louis Cardinals and the broader sport.
The collection’s gradual depletion went unnoticed at first. Subtle substitutions—lower-value items quietly replacing prized pieces—apparently masked the losses until the victim conducted a thorough review. The breakthrough came when she spotted a familiar game-used base listed online. Recognizing it immediately, she confirmed ownership with a matching certificate of authenticity that remained in her possession.
Tracing the eBay listing back to DePriest, the victim confronted him directly. According to the probable cause statement, DePriest returned some of the items and indicated he would try to retrieve others. However, a full inventory later revealed the extent of the loss exceeded $50,000. Among the missing pieces were more than a dozen rare baseball cards, autographed bats and baseballs, and the notable game-used base connected to former Cardinals MVP Paul Goldschmidt.
Lincoln County Prosecutor Mike Wood described the incident as a “crime of opportunity” and one of the more significant sports memorabilia thefts his office has handled. Some of the stolen items had already been sold to secondary buyers, who may have been unaware of their illicit origins.
A warrant for DePriest’s arrest was issued on Wednesday. Upon apprehension, he is to be held on a $5,000 bond and is barred from contacting the victim, per Missouri court records.
This case serves as a cautionary tale for collectors in an era when high-value sports memorabilia commands premium prices both at auctions and online marketplaces. Digital platforms like eBay can facilitate legitimate transactions but also provide avenues for thieves to offload goods quickly. Law enforcement often relies on the vigilance of collectors themselves—who maintain detailed records, certificates of authenticity, and photographs—to crack such cases.
For Cardinals enthusiasts and serious hobbyists across the region, the story underscores the emotional and financial stakes involved in building a personal sports archive. What began as a labor of love for one family became a painful reminder of trust misplaced and treasures lost. As the legal process unfolds, authorities continue to work toward recovering additional items and ensuring accountability.
