A man accused of stealing a truck described himself as a “pillar of society” as he sat in the Baxter County jail last Thursday.
Lee Edward Willie of rural Mountain Home, who said he mills lumber for a living, made an appearance in Baxter County Circuit Court by video hookup between the jail and courtroom.
The 47-year-old Willie’s current legal problems began when a man reported the theft of his 1998 Dodge truck on April 26th. The victim said Willie had come to his home and asked to borrow the truck. The victim had turned Willie down because he planned to use the vehicle.
When the victim got ready to use the truck, it was missing.
On April 27th, the vehicle’s owner reported he was following his own missing truck north on Highway 5. The vehicle was finally stopped on County Road 27, and Willie was arrested by lawmen who became engaged in the chase.
Lawmen at the scene reported finding a small bag containing a spoon with residue and a syringe. A set of digital scales was also located. The items were described as those commonly used for methamphetamine injections.
During his appearance Thursday, Willie claimed he had borrowed the vehicle, but admitted he had not returned it as promised. He terms the situation “a borrowed vehicle deal gone bad.”
According to the probable cause affidavit, information from the National Crime Information Center, Willie has more than four felony convictions. He had also been charged with being a habitual offender, according to NCIC.
Willie entered a not guilty plea to the recent charges against him and was ordered to appear in circuit court May 10th.
Circuit Judge Gordon Webb turned down Willie’s request to be released from jail on his own recognizance. He set a $5,000 bond for Willie.
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