For more than two decades, McElroy was suspected of being involved in theft of grain, gasoline, alcohol, antiques, and livestock, but he avoided conviction when charges were brought against him 21 times—often after witnesses refused to testify because he allegedly intimidated them, frequently by following his targets or parking outside their homes and watching them.
Selama lebih dari 20 tahun, McElroy diduga terlibat dalam pencurian gandum, bensin, alkohol, barang antik, dan ternak, tetapi ia bebas dari tuntutan sebanyak 21 kali—biasanya setelah saksi mata menolak bersaksi karena McElroy menguntit mereka atau parkir di luar rumah dan mengamati mereka.