A 23-year-old Linton man wanted on a warrant for auto theft after allegedly selling a truck that wasn’t his was arrested on Dec. 7. 

Greene County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Caleb Sipes arrested Michael Andrew Walton after a warrant was issued for his arrest in an auto theft case. 

According to a probable cause affidavit written by Linton Police Department Officer Jerrad Pirtle, he spoke with an individual on Sept. 15 who reported a former employee, later identified as Walton, sold his vehicle. The reporting party claimed he allowed Walton to drive his 2003 Dodge Ram while he worked at his business. He explained there was an agreement that Walton would purchase the vehicle from him while under his employment. The reporting party told Pirtle the license plate, title, and insurance were still in his name. He alleged Walton had paid some but still owed around $800 in addition to each month’s insurance payment. He said it had been several weeks since he’d received money from Walton. He alleged he’d attempted to contact Walton several times but was unsuccessful. 

On Sept. 15, the reporting party went to Walton’s residence to speak with him. According to the probable cause, he said Walton initially said the truck was broken down and being worked on at his friend's house in Lyons. The reporting party said he insisted on seeing the truck and continued asking where it was. He alleged Walton began crying and told him he’d sold it for $400. He said Walton asked him not to call the police, but rather give him three weeks.

Officer Pirtle tracked down who’d purchased the truck. According to the probable cause affidavit, the buyer and his father both told Pirtle the vehicle was purchased for $700 for parts as the vehicle wasn’t running. Both stated Walton said he had a death in the family and would get the title sent to them when things cleared up. 

Pirtle attempted to make contact with Walton multiple times unsuccessfully. 

Walton was arrested on Dec. 7 and transported to Greene County Jail where his bond was set at $4,000 surety with 10% cash allowed. He was released after posting $400. 

He is scheduled to appear in Greene Superior Court on Dec. 18 for an initial hearing.