SCSO Arrests One For False Reporting

A Stephens County man faces charges after allegedly falsely reporting the theft of his vehicle.

According to Stephens County Sheriff Randy Shirley, it started when his office received a report of a vehicle theft from Michael Wayne Turpin of Lakeside Trail in Martin.

“The victim reported that his 2000 Dodge Durango had been stolen from his residence,” said Shirley. “A couple of days later, deputies discovered the Dodge Durango at the Bruce Creek boat ramp and they noticed that there were visible signs of smoke damage inside.”

Shirley said deputies were able to locate witnesses who stated that they had seen Turpin near the boat ramp the night that he had reported the vehicle as stolen.

Meanwhile, the sheriff said another witness then reported to have given Turpin a ride from the Bruce Creek area the same night after Turpin reportedly claimed to this person that his vehicle had broken down.

Turpin has been charged with False Report of a Crime, Arson in the Second Degree, and Insurance Fraud as a result of the investigation.

As of last report, Turpin remains in the Stephens County Jail awaiting a bond hearing.