The incident that resulted in criminal charges being brought against Garry Gene Gebhart took place almost three years ago.
The case was finally closed when Gebhart appeared in Baxter County Circuit Court Thursday and pled guilty to the allegation against him and was sentenced to five years in prison and ordered to pay almost $4,000 in restitution.
He appeared by video hookup from the North Central Unit of the state prison system at Calico Rock where he is serving time on charges from Marion County.
On Nov. 14, 2018, a victim reported his home along Highway 201 North had been broken into.
The homeowner said four firearms; a small “fire safe” and several plastic buckets of loose coins were taken.
Entry had been gained by kicking in the back door to the residence.
The 47-year-old Gebhart was developed as a suspect because the victim said he had allowed him to stay in his home and help out in his well drilling business.
According to the probable cause affidavit, the victim eventually asked Gebhart to leave due to his less-than-acceptable work habits.
While living with the victim, Gebhart was reported to have slept in the area from which the stolen items were taken.
The victim told investigators Gebhart had called him twice on the day of the burglary in an apparent attempt to check and see if he was at the residence.
Later, investigators found that two females had cashed almost $1,400 in coins at machines in Harps midtown store.
After a number of interviews, a probable cause affidavit was filed in January 2019 charging Gebhart with residential burglary, theft of property and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
He pled not guilty in late August 2019.
Since that time, defense attorneys have asked for a number of continuances. In addition, Gebhart’s record of showing up for scheduled court appearances has been spotty for a number of reasons.
The last motion to continue was filed by a deputy public defender Feb. 19.
Gebhart has listed addresses in Flippin and Trumann on various court documents.
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