BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

TOMAHAWK — Two Tomahawk residents were apprehended Saturday following an alleged theft of an all-terrain vehicle on Rockhouse Road.

Dorothy Spence, 40, and Earl Mollett, 51, were arrested and charged with theft by unlawful taking or disposition (auto) $500<$1,000.

Deputy David Adams of the Martin County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call just before 2 p.m. His investigation at the scene revealed Mollett dropped Spence off at the residence of Fred Daniels on Rockhouse Road, where Spence hopped on an ATV and swiftly made her escape.

Daniels described the ATV as a green-colored 2002 Honda Foreman 350. The alleged victim said he purchased the ATV from Mollett and had a bill of sale dated June 12 as proof.

The deputy then proceeded to Mollett’s residence but did not find Mollett or Spence there. However, he conversed with Mollett’s son, who reportedly disclosed that Daniels had possessed the ATV for approximately one week. As the conversation continued, Mollett unexpectedly drove past in a white Ford Expedition. Spence closely tailed behind on the stolen ATV.

According to Adams, Spence admitted to signing over the ATV to Daniels. However, she claimed she never intended to relinquish ownership to Daniels, saying the entire incident was a calculated setup so she could get the ATV back from Mollett. She allegedly confessed that Mollett dropped her off at Daniels’ residence to facilitate the theft.

Police transported Spence and Mollett to the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center in Paintsville.