Two people have been arrested in Searcy County after a vehicle reported stolen was located at a scrap yard.
According to the probable cause affidavit, 41-year-old James Tilley of Marshall and 29-year-old Thomas Manning of Leslie are both charged with a felony count of breaking or entering, as well as misdemeanor counts of theft of property and criminal trespass in connection with the incident.
Manning allegedly told law enforcement he received a call from Tilley on July 14. Manning said Tilley wanted his assistance in retrieving and selling a van located on property along Grassy Road in Searcy County. The owner of the property does not reside in Searcy County.
Manning told law enforcement Tilley had said he had permission to take the vehicle and scrap it.
He went on to say he pulled the stolen vehicle with a chain as Tilley steered it to the scrap yard.
Manning also allegedly contacted a female to gain her assistance with the transaction at the scrap yard. The woman told law enforcement she entered into the agreement for the sale of the vehicle without any knowledge of any wrongdoing.
Manning said he needed the woman’s assistance with the transaction because he had forgotten his driver’s license.
The woman was given $160 for the vehicle, and she relinquished the funds to the two men, who were waiting outside.
Bonds for the two men were set at $5,000.
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