Deputies recover stolen four-wheeler during routine traffic stop

A Whitley County Sheriff’s deputy recently recovered a stolen four-wheeler during a routine traffic stop in the eastern portion of the county.

Whitley County Sheriff’s Deputy Jonas Saunders charged Matthew Taylor, 37, of Williamsburg, with receiving stolen property over $500 but less than $10,000 and having an illegible license plate during the Thursday incident.

The incident began about 11 p.m. as Saunders was patrolling the Highway 92E area, and observed a truck pulling a large trailer with no visible license plate, according to a release by Sheriff Todd Shelley.

The trailer contained a car and an ATV.

Saunders then conducted a traffic stop of the vehicle near the intersection of Sally Gap, and made contact with the driver, Taylor, and a female passenger, who wasn’t identified.

Taylor told Saunders that he was transporting the vehicle and ATV for a friend, and he gave the Saunders permission to check the ATV’s VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), the release stated.

When Whitley County E-911 dispatchers checked the VIN, they discovered that it had been entered as stolen by the Laurel County Sheriff’s Department, the release stated.

According to an arrest citation, the sheriff’s department had received several reports of stolen vehicles in the area. The estimated value of the ATV was $2,000.

Taylor was lodged in the Whitley County Detention Center.

He pleaded not guilty to the charges during his arraignment Friday before District Judge Cathy Prewitt, who changed his bond from a $7,500 cash bond to a $15,000 property bond.

He was released from jail Monday afternoon.

Whitley County Sheriff’s Deputy Chad Foley and Williamsburg Police Officer Johnny Fulton assisted with the investigation.