An alert Independence County deputy was patrolling when he saw an ATV side-by-side that looked like one that had been reported stolen.
After an investigation, it was found that the ATV side-by-side, sitting in the backyard of a Magness, Ark., residence, was in fact the one stolen from an area ATV dealership. As a result of that investigation, an arrest warrant was issued.
The court information filed May 14 said Kelby Shane Epperson, 24, produced a bill of sale that said he had paid $12,000 for the side-by-side from another. Later, according to the court document, Epperson told authorities he had only paid $7,000, and admitted that he told the person he purchased the ATV from “that if he wanted to keep the money instead of paying it to the bank, he could do so as long as he didn’t report it stolen.”
Sheriff Shawn Stephens said the county is asking Epperson be tried under the Habitual Offender Law. He has been charged with theft by receiving. Epperson’s bond was set at $10,000.
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