While police chief Rick Dinse says these theft charges show a "connectivity" to the Elizabeth Smart case, Ricci has not been charged with her kidnapping.
"If I could’ve charged him I’d charge him. That doesn’t mean I don’t have anything linking him to the case, I’m not saying that. If I could charge him and prove it today we’d file on it today," said Dinse.
None of the above shows that LE has any conclusive evidence linking Ricci to the alleged kidnapping. It also fails to show LE stating they have conclusive evidence linking him to the case. It is typical policespeak.
Sorry, sherlock, nice try.
You may not get this but Dinse is saying they are not bluffing about Ricci's involvement, they believe he's involved up to his hairline but their case is not solid yet. This is why they made the statement at the same time they do not plan to make an arrest until they find Elizabeth or her body. They don't want to try this dirtbag and not have 'beyond a reasonable doubt' evidence then find Elizabeth or her body with the conclusive evidence and be locked out by double jeopardy.