ROGERSVILLE — A woman who allegedly sold a stolen truck valued at $6,500 for $200, and then used the money to buy pills, is being held without bond in the Hawkins County Jail on theft charges.
Ricky Wise of Morristown told the Hawkins County Sheriff’s Office on March 16 that his Ford Bronco had been stolen while parked at a residence on Prices Grove Road in Hawkins County to receive repairs.
During his investigation, HCSO Detective Cliff Evans received information that Wise’s pickup was at Hardesty’s Auto, 5292 Highway 11-W, Rogersville.
HCSO Detective Lt. Eve Jackson said the paperwork and information provided by Hardesty’s Auto led to Ladonna Marlene Adams, 22, 309 Western Heights Drive, Rogersville.
“Adams was subsequently questioned about the vehicle,” Evans stated in his report. “(Adams) admitted to removing the wheels from the truck and selling them to Hardesty’s Auto, and then calling Hardesty’s and selling the truck.”
Adams allegedly told Leonard Hardesty her truck title had been destroyed in a fire.
Evans added, “Adams was then paid $200 for the vehicle. Adams further stated that she had used the money to buy ‘Roxys’ (Oxycodone) with.”
Wise valued the wheels at $320 and the overall value of the truck at $6,500.
Jackson said there was no known connection between Wise and Adams.
Adams was charged with theft over $1,000 and theft under $500. She was arraigned Wednesday in Sessions Court and as of Thursday remained held in the Hawkins County Jail without bond pending a preliminary hearing April 10.