A 70-year-old Gillette man's treasured classic 1965 Ford Mustang disappeared from his driveway, then turned up about 100 yards away in a neighbor's shop with its hood open and connected to a battery charger.
By then, investigators say the older man — who Campbell County Sheriff’s Office deputies describe as frail, having dementia and living in squalor — had allegedly signed paperwork transferring the car to the neighbors for $500 and a promise that his lawn would be mowed every weekend until he died.
Deputies now allege that wasn't a bargain, they believe it was exploitation of a vulnerable adult, a felony.
Jeremy Talon Boggs and Jazlyn V. Foltz are accused of taking advantage of the man's declining mental condition to get the classic Mustang, which investigators estimated is worth anywhere between $30,000 and $44,600.
Court documents show the couple allegedly insisted the man willingly sold them the vehicle.
The 70-year-old, however, told deputies he didn't know who they were and never gave anyone permission to take his car.
A Neighbor's Call
The investigation began Saturday afternoon after other neighbors of the man on Peaceful Valley Drive called the Campbell County Sheriff's Office.
They told deputies he suffered from dementia and believed Boggs and Foltz had recently begun spending an unusual amount of time at his home.
One neighbor reported seeing flashlights moving around the man's property the previous night. The following morning, the man's classic green Ford Mustang was parked at the home of a nearby residence occupied by Boggs and Foltz.
Neighbors said the had always considered the Mustang one of his prized possessions and repeatedly told them he would never sell it because it was such a beautiful classic car.
Concerned they were watching an elderly neighbor being taken advantage of, they called law enforcement.
Inside The Home
When they responded, deputies found the man seated in a recliner, according to an affidavit of probable caused filed in the case.
According to the affidavit, he appeared "extremely weak and feeble" and was unable to answer basic questions, including that day's date or his own phone number.
Investigators described the home as being in severe disrepair with trash, spoiled food and other biohazards throughout the residence.
During the interview, deputies noticed the older man also struggling with basic personal care.
Investigators concluded he was unable to properly care for himself and "was not sound of mind" while speaking with deputies.
Adult Protective Services had already been notified of the man's situation and was reportedly planning to visit the following day.
The Mustang
Deputies then went looking for the car, the affidavit says.
They found it inside a shop on Commerce Drive with its hood open and connected to a battery tender.
Boggs told investigators he had bought the Mustang from the man for $500. As part of the deal, Boggs said he promised to mow the man's lawn every weekend for the rest of his life.
Foltz allegedly told deputies the older man initially wanted $10,000 for the car before negotiating the final arrangement.
Boggs also played a cellphone video that he said showed the man signing a bill of sale.
Deputies reviewed the paperwork and noted what they believed were several red flags, according to the affidavit.
The bill of sale listed the wrong model year for the Mustang, was not properly notarized and included Foltz's signature as a witness, reported Campbell County Sheriff's Deputy Kyle Rhoades.
Two Different Stories
Deputies told the couple that the man had just informed investigators he didn't know who they were and had no knowledge of selling his Mustang.
According to Rhoades, Foltz responded that the man had known her name during a recent conversation and appeared "lucid."
Boggs and Foltz also defended the price they claim was agreed to for the classic car.
They told deputies the man owned five vehicles and no longer needed the Mustang.
A deputy estimated the Mustang's value at approximately $30,000. A later JD Power valuation placed it at roughly $44,600 in average condition, the affidavit says.
The vehicle was seized and towed to the Campbell County Sheriff's Office evidence lot.
Charges Filed
On Monday, Boggs and Foltz were each charged with one count of exploitation of a vulnerable adult and one count of grand theft before Campbell County Circuit Court Judge Paul S. Phillips.
Because investigators estimated the Mustang was worth between $30,000 and $44,600, the case qualifies as grand theft under Wyoming law, which applies to property valued at more than $1,000.
Both felony charges carry maximum penalties of up to 10 years in prison. If convicted on both counts, each defendant could face up to 20 years behind bars.
Bond was set at $7,500 cash or surety for each defendant.
A preliminary hearing for both is scheduled for July 20.
Kolby Fedore can be reached at kolby@cowboystatedaily.com.
