Bad Check Hampers Police Auction

WAVERLY, Tenn. - It's been a success in the past, but what happened at the Humphreys County surplus sale may cost several local police agencies dearly.

Video: Man Writes Bad Check For 13 Cars At Police Auction

Each year, a handful of police agencies collect items that have been seized in the course of investigations. The cars, televisions and video games usually make for a budget boost.

"With us being a small town, we're always looking for ways to get outside of the box," said Chris Davis, Humphreys County sheriff.

It all centers on Ron Marker, a McEwen man who has a lengthy criminal history, including DUI and bad check charges. He showed up to Saturday's auction, bid on cars and bought 13 of them.

Davis, well aware of Marker's past, told Channel 4 News he worried what might happen.

"It raised a red flag in the sense as, is he going to be good for what he's done?" said Davis.

The auctioneer soon discovered Marker's check was no good.

"The red flag was there, but we had to go with it because it was a public auction," Davis said.

The auction was supposed to bring in at least $55,000. Marker's share, $19,200, accounts for nearly a third of the amount.

"So, yeah. It's hurting us all," said Davis. "It's definitely hurting all of our departments."

Marker told Channel 4 News it was his first auction and that he secured a loan before arriving. He also said his lender wouldn't hand over the cash without seeing a few car titles, but the auction company wouldn't give him those if his check didn't clear.

Marker said he plans to pay the auction company as soon as possible. If he doesn't, the auction company could take legal action.

"Everybody's losing because he's not coming through," said Davis. "With his background, who knows?"

MORE FROM WSMV-TV 4 NEWS

WSMV-TV 4 News Section Front

2009 May Be Record-Breaking Meth Seizure Year Charges Dropped Against Blackwater Guard Judge Wants Charges Against Her Thrown Out Shoes Taken From Luggage During Travel Farmers Insurance Clients' Info Hacked WSMV-TV 4 News Section Front   Add WSMV-TV 4 News headlines to your news reader: