Photos: Cynthia Deatherage, Grant Deatherage
A couple has been arrested in Searcy County after a vehicle and firearm were reported missing from the home they were renting from a relative.
Searcy County Sheriff Kenny Cassell says the victim rented a house to a relative, 63-year-old Cynthia Deatherage of Marshall, and her husband, 59-year-old Grant Deatherage, with an agreement certain items could be left in the residence. The items included a shotgun, a pickup truck stored in a barn on the property, vinyl record collection, coffee maker, microwave and a cook stove. The items were valued at $3,825.
The victim told law enforcement the items were in the residence prior to the Deatherages’ eviction due to non-payment of rent. Since the eviction, the vehicle and firearm were reportedly removed.
Sheriff Cassell says a member of his department contacted a mechanic in late August concerning the missing truck. The deputy learned the mechanic was familiar with the truck.
The mechanic told law enforcement the Deatherages asked him to remove the motor from the missing truck and place it in a truck being driven by the Deatherages. According to the mechanic, he was unaware the truck from which he was asked to remove the motor was stolen.
At the Deatherages’ request, the mechanic towed the stolen vehicle to his shop. Allegedly, the Deatherages told the mechanic he could have the body of the truck.
After transferring the motor, the mechanic said he took the body of the truck with the missing motor to a metal shop and sold it for scrap.
The Searcy County couple was arrested Wednesday and transported to the Searcy County Jail without incident.
They have been charged with felony counts of theft of property. In addition, Cynthia Deatherage has been charged with being a habitual offender, due to her past criminal history.
The Deatherages are being held in the Searcy County jail awaiting a bond hearing.
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