Darren Lee Newcomb

William Joshua Lewis

Stolen Kawasaki RTV being recovered by Inv. Scott Thrasher

     Acting on a citizen tip received through its anonymous email tip contact feature on the Sheriff’s Office website, Sheriff’s Investigators were able to recover several articles of stolen property last Friday afternoon, December 12^th  at approximately 1:30 PM, at a private residence at 3824 Highway 126 North of Gassville.

     Investigators went to the residence to speak with the property owner or resident.  While at the residence, Investigators did not initially find the owner but instead spoke with another person there, identified as 28 year old WILLIAM JOSHUA LEWIS.  During and after interaction with WILLIAM LEWIS, Investigators observed articles of property that matched the description of property reported stolen since December 1^st.

     On December 1^st, it was reported from 23 CR 15 that a 2000 Tracker Pop-Up Camper valued at $1,200 had been stolen from that address.

     On December 8^th, it was reported from a job site across from 745 Buford Road that an 18 ft flat bed utility trailer valued at $2,000.00 had been stolen from that location.

     On December 10^th, it was reported from 12722 Hwy 201 South that a 2011 Kawasaki Mule RTV valued at $12,000.00 had been stolen from that address.

     While still at the residence Friday afternoon, Investigators observed the person residing at the residence drive up on the stolen Kawasaki Mule.  He was identified as 39 year old DARREN LEE NEWCOMB.  In addition to the stolen Kawasaki RTV, the stolen camper and stolen utility trailer were also found on the premises and recovered for the victims.

     DARREN LEE NEWCOMB was charged with:

Theft by Receiving – Felony

     He was transported to the Detention Center for booking and was later released at approximately 6:30 PM after posting $30,000.00 bond.  DARREN NEWCOMB will appear in the Circuit Court to answer on December 18^th.

     WILLIAM JOSHUA LEWIS was determined to be in violation of a previous court-ordered probation and was also taken into custody.  He remains in the Detention Center without bond pending a court appearance at a later time.

     The recovered property is being returned to the victims.  The investigation is continuing.

/s/ John F. Montgomery,
Baxter County Sheriff