Victim finds stolen log splitter on 'craigslist'

Two Gardnerville men were arrested Wednesday when they attempted to sell a stolen log splitter for $800 to the original owner who tracked down the item on "craigslist."

Deputies arrested Joshua Clark Butler, 23, and Dallas Harmon, 22, after officers were dispatched to the parking lot of the former Department of Motor Vehicles building on County Road in Minden where Harmon was attempting to sell the log splitter back to its owner.

The victim said the log splitter was taken from his residence within the last three weeks. He advertised on craigslist, an Internet classified Web site, that he wished to purchase one, and was contacted by the suspects, according to reports.

Harmon brought the log splitter to the County Road location to complete the sale and was arrested.

At first, he told deputies he bought the item from an acquaintance for $800 and was trying to sell it.

A passenger in Harmon's vehicle said the log splitter had been at the suspect's house for three weeks. Harmon reportedly admitted he and Butler stole the log splitter from the victim's home by smashing a lock.

The owner identified the log splitter through a serial number and had reported the item stolen to deputies.

Butler was charged with grand larceny and possession of stolen property. He is to appear in East Fork Justice Court on Wednesday and is being held on $3,000 cash bail.

Harmon posted bond on $20,000 bail and is set for a Dec. 29 court appearance.