Local Man Facing Forgery Charges

A Nashville man has been charged with two counts of forgery.

Authorities say 49 year old Laif Poulton is accused of attempting to get almost $4,970 from State Farm Insurance by submitting fake bids on the replacement of stolen property.

State Insurance investigators say the theft occurred in May of last year on property located in the Ola community of Yell County.

Authorities say Poulton’s ex-wife reported the theft of a trailer, Cub Cadet riding lawn mower and a mounted welder. The property was valued at more than 12 thousand dollars and was jointly owned by the Poultons.

Officials say the insurance company paid the theft claim in June of last year and the money was divided by the couple.

Authorities said Laif Poulton later submitted receipts to the insurance company claiming the items had a higher value. As state officials spoke with the businesses who provided the receipts, they learned those receipts were fictitious.

Poulton has made a first court appearance on the charges and is to be back in Howard County Circuit Court next week.