SMITHERS, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A Fayette County body shop owner has been charged with felony grand larceny after allegedly selling a customer’s truck without permission. The incident involves a 1996 Ford F-250 valued at approximately $15,000.
Incident Details
On January 3, 2025, Lynn Weest reported to law enforcement that her truck, which had been at Body Works, a repair shop on US Route 60 in Smithers, for approximately two years, was no longer on the property. Body Works is owned and operated by John Middleton.
Investigation Findings
Chief R.L. Keglor of the Smithers Police Department revealed that on December 27, 2024, while on patrol, he saw Patrick Wilson, a white male, working on the truck in question. When approached, Wilson claimed he had purchased the truck from Middleton.
To verify Wilson’s ownership, Chief Keglor asked him to contact Middleton. According to Keglor, Middleton confirmed over the phone that he had sold the vehicle to Wilson. Keglor documented the encounter by taking a photograph of the truck’s VIN.
Later that evening, Chief Keglor observed the same truck being loaded onto a rollback, which was later confirmed to be the vehicle in question.
Ownership Dispute
Ms. Weest informed investigators that Middleton did not own the truck and therefore could not have legally sold it. Her statement, combined with evidence gathered, led authorities to determine that the sale was unauthorized.
Charges Filed
John Middleton has been charged with grand larceny, a felony offense, for selling the truck without the owner’s consent.
Vehicle Details
The truck involved in the case is a 1996 Ford F-250 with VIN #2FTHF26F6TCA17763 and is valued at approximately $15,000.
