According to a news release from the Johnson Co. Sheriff’s Office, on April 13, 2018 at approximately 2:00 PM, Deputy Jesse Mullins was involved in a traffic stop on US 23 in the Wittensville area of Johnson Co. Upon the Deputy Mullins’ investigation of the vehicle, it was determined the wrong plate was on the vehicle. Once Deputy Mullins observed the vehicles VIN number he advised it looked altered. Deputy Byron Fairchild, who is a certified vehicle inspector, was called to the scene to inspect the vehicle. Upon Deputy Fairchild’s arrival he quickly noticed clues that the VIN was indeed altered. The VIN had black glue residue and the rivets were damaged. A quick physical inspection with a pair of needle nose pliers revealed that the actual VIN number to the vehicle was concealed under the outer VIN.
The driver of the vehicle was identified as 21 year old Cody Craft of Prestonsburg. Craft was arrested and charged with the following:
1) Obscuring the Identity of a Machine
2) Destruction of a VIN number
3) Selling or receiving vehicle w/removed or altered VIN
Cody Craft was lodged in the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center. The case remains under investigation by Deputy Byron Fairchild.
