MITCHELL – A Mitchell man is facing a felony theft charge after he allegedly stole a truck belonging to a woman who was allowing him to stay at her home in exchange for work.
The Mitchell Police Department initiated an investigation on March 10, 2025, after a local woman reported that her truck had been stolen.
According to an Affidavit for Probable Cause filed by Officer Cody Grogan, the victim told police she had allowed 52-year-old James Howard to stay at her residence. The arrangement was made in exchange for Mr. Howard completing work around the property.
The female victim reported that on Sunday, March 9, 2025, at approximately 8:30 a.m., she woke up to find that Howard had allegedly taken the keys from her table and stolen her white 2001 Chevrolet Silverado K2500 truck. The truck is easily identifiable by utility toolboxes on the rear and an “In God We Trust” license plate.
The victim estimates the value of the truck and its contents to exceed $10,000.
After discovering the truck was missing, the victim attempted to contact Howard by cell phone without success. She then contacted Howard’s sister on Facebook, who allegedly “begged” the victim not to contact the police. The victim agreed to give them until Monday, March 10, 2025, to return her vehicle.
The affidavit notes that the victim later received a message from Howard’s ex-girlfriend, which included videos. The victim claimed the videos showed Howard at her neighbor’s house, allegedly selling food stamps for cash. The videos reportedly showed a vehicle matching the stolen truck’s description and Howard leaving the location with another female.
Officer Grogan attempted to contact Howard’s phone number but was unsuccessful.
The affidavit also notes that Howard has prior, unrelated convictions for theft and receiving stolen property and that his driver’s license is currently suspended.
Police sought an arrest warrant for James Howard. He was detained on November 25, 2025.
All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. This article is based on the information provided in the probable cause affidavit and does not represent a final determination of guilt or innocence.
