Lockesburg Man Arrested on Felony Theft Charge

A Lockesburg man has been arrested after investigators say he admitted taking more than $1,000 worth of equipment from a De Queen business.

According to an affidavit filed by the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office, 78-year-old Donald Petta was arrested July 17 on a charge of theft of property, a Class D felony.

Authorities say a deputy responded to a business on Highway 70 East after the owner reported that equipment was missing from a parts pile behind the business.

Investigators reviewed surveillance video that allegedly showed an older-model white Chevrolet pickup with a camper shell entering the property. According to the affidavit, a man got out of the truck, loaded several items into the bed, and drove away.

Deputies say they identified Petta after recognizing both the pickup and the individual seen in the surveillance footage.

According to the affidavit, Petta admitted taking the items because he believed they had been discarded as junk. Investigators say he acknowledged he did not have permission to remove the property and told deputies he later sold the items to a recycling center.

Authorities estimate the value of the stolen property exceeded $1,000. Petta was arrested on the felony theft charge and transported to the Sevier County Detention Center.