Greentown farm equipment salesman charged with 17 counts of fraud, forgery

GREENTOWN, Ind. - A Greentown man who worked as a salesman at Truland Equipment in Swayzee is accused of taking out thousands of dollars worth of loans in the names of local farmers - among other fraudulent schemes.




Dustin Echelbarger, 43, was arrested on Friday by Indiana State Police. He is charged with 17 felony counts of fraud and forgery.




According to state police, the eight-month investigation into Echelbarger was spearheaded by detectives from the Indiana State Police Peru Post. Authorities were first tipped off in October about the alleged crimes of Echelbarger, which included accusations of fraud, forgery and corrupt business practices.




Investigators said that while working as a farm equipment salesman, Echelbarger engaged in fraudulent activities by buying, selling, and trading equipment to farmers across northern Indiana.




Echelbarger allegedly collected more than $750,000 through fabricated purchase orders while also securing more than $650,000 in loans under the names of local farmers.




Successful Farming reported how several Hoosier farmers suddenly found themselves on the hook for thousands of dollars due to Echelbarger's fraudulent business deals.




One of the victims, Kimberly Hannah, celebrated Echelbarger's arrest after waiting more than 10 months for some form of justice.




"This individual is a heartless thief who has mercilessly stolen from small farms, small businesses, communities, financial institutions and innocent individuals, showing no remorse for his actions," Hannah wrote. "His greed and lack of conscience have caused profound harm-destroying livelihoods, destroying farming operations, disrupting families, and undermining the trust that holds communities together."




Echelbarger's criminal charges are Level 5 and Level 6 felonies. In Indiana, a Level 5 felony carries a maximum sentence of six years in prison.





via: https://fox59.com/news/greentown-farm-equipment-salesman-charged-with-17-counts-of-fraud-forgery/