BATESVILLE, Ark. – A warrant has been filed for 25-year-old Franklin Taylor Bunch, who is accused of stealing two generators owned by the Arkansas Department of Health and maintained by Independence County. The theft allegedly occurred while Bunch was participating in a work program to pay off court fines.
According to an affidavit of probable cause filed by Independence County Circuit Clerk Greg Wallis on Dec. 18, authorities have charged Bunch with breaking or entering, a Class D felony, and two counts of theft of property, a Class A misdemeanor.
The investigation began on Dec. 5 when a county maintenance employee reported the theft of two generators from a garage building located behind the Arkansas Department of Health building on Weaver Avenue in Batesville. The employee reviewed surveillance footage from the garage and identified suspicious activity.
The footage revealed a black Chevrolet SUV with no license plate entering the parking lot on Nov. 27 at approximately 2:02 p.m. The vehicle made a U-turn and left but returned later that evening at 5:10 p.m. The footage captured two individuals inside the vehicle: a female driver wearing a mask covering her face from the nose down and a male passenger.
The passenger was later identified as Franklin Taylor Bunch. Further investigation linked him to the theft of the two generators, which were reportedly sold for personal profit.
While Bunch has not yet been taken into custody, authorities have filed charges, and a warrant has been issued for his arrest.
This incident has raised concerns about the management and oversight of individuals participating in work programs to pay off legal debts. County officials are reviewing procedures to prevent future thefts or misconduct.
Anyone with information about Bunch’s whereabouts is urged to contact the Independence County Sheriff’s Department.
