A 37-year-old Jasonville man was arrested for theft April 5 after failing to return rental equipment with an estimated value of approximately $55,000 after falling behind on payments. 

Greene County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Adam Adcock arrested Donald Lee Keller on a Level 5 Felony charge of theft when the value of the property is more than $50,000. A warrant for Keller’s arrest was issued on March 22. 

According to a probable cause affidavit written by Indiana State Trooper G.B. Wilson, he was assigned a theft investigation involving the rental equipment at General Sales and Rental, LLC and Washington Outdoor Power Equipment in Washington on March 18. It was reported by the business owner that Keller had yet to return a skid loader–with an estimated replacement cost of $55,000-$65,000–that he had rented. 

According to the probable cause affidavit, Keller began renting the equipment weekly in November 2023, but the rental contract was eventually amended to a monthly rental. 

It was determined that Keller was one and a half months behind on his payments. Per the probable cause, the owner said he attempted to contact Keller multiple times about payment as well as requests to return the piece of equipment.

Keller made two full monthly payments; however, from Jan. 20, 2024 to Feb. 16, 2024, he paid $1,397,18, which was part of the balance. That left $1,273,99 outstanding between January and February. No payment was made between Feb. 17, 2024-March 15, 2024. The amount due at that time (minus the outstanding balance from the previously partial payment) was $2,671,17. In total, Keller has paid $6,739.52 with an outstanding balance of $3,945.16, which continues to accumulate. 

The owner had documented that several calls were made in an attempt to contact Keller, according to the probable cause affidavit.

Trooper Wilson noted in the probable cause affidavit that Keller has numerous past convictions for theft, conversion, or receiving stolen property in Greene, Sullivan, Clay, and Putman counties. 

Upon his arrest, his bond was set at $10,000 surety with 10% cash allowed. He was released after posting $1,000. 

He is scheduled to appear in Greene Circuit Court April 10.