PARAGOULD, Ark. — A Paragould suspect was arrested on a felony theft charge after police say he took $9,000 from a homeowner for repair materials, then kept the money instead of purchasing the items.
Joshua Merrell, 48, was arrested on a charge of theft of property, a felony, according to a probable cause affidavit from the Paragould Police Department.
According to the affidavit, Paragould officers were dispatched on March 15, 2026, to the 500 block of Belaire Circle regarding a theft report. The victim told officers Merrell had been hired to repair siding on the home, replace windows, and work on the house.
The victim told police Merrell said the defendant was opening a $9,000 line of credit with additional cost for materials. The victim stated that the defendant then gave a quote for the materials, listing $1,700 for windows and $1,500 for siding.
After paying for the materials, the victim later discovered the defendant never purchased any of the items and kept the money, according to the affidavits.
On March 31, 2026, Merrell was interviewed at the police department. During a Mirandized interview, police said the defendant admitted to taking the victim’s money for the materials and using it for personal use.
No information about bail was available as of this report.
All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
SHARE THIS STORY WITH OTHERS:
Discover more from NEA Report
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Be the first to comment