While serving
his country in Iraq, Sgt. Jeffrey Denton suffered a loss. His father
had given Jeffrey his 1984 Ford F-150, a truck the boy had wanted for
his own for years. In November, the truck was stolen from the
Dentons' yard. The thief, or thieves, had broken the ignition,
started the Truck and driven away.
While in Iraq
for 15 months, Denton had his truck worked on and upgraded, using
most of the money he had saved. After spending almost $18,000 on
renovations, Denton got to come home on leave in June, and got to
drive his "new" truck. Sgt. Denton returned to Iraq,
leaving the truck parked at his parents' home.
Denton's
mother stated that everything in the truck was new, and her son was
proud of it. After the truck was stolen, fliers were made and handed
out, offering a $1000 reward for information. Family and friends set
up a website looking for help in finding the truck. Because the truck
was parked and no one drove it, Denton did not have insurance on it.
The Knoxville
television stations carried the story and asked viewers for help in
locating the truck. A viewer of Channel 10 News helped investigators
with some pertinent information. The truck was discovered December 15
at a "chop shop" in Roane County, TN, the same county the
Dentons live in. The vehicle had been stripped, but most of the
pieces, including the engine, were found with the truck. The tires
and wheels were missing, and the truck had been spray painted inside
and out. Denton's father was quoted as saying, "This was a
really pretty truck 2 months ago."
A local
company has donated a paint job for Denton's prized truck. Others in
the community have offered help in various ways to get the truck
fixed as much as they can before Jeffrey comes home.
Roane County
Sheriff's Department is still investigating, but states they have at
least 1 suspect with the charge of 'Theft Over $10,000' pending.
Sgt. Denton
will return home to Oliver Springs, TN, on December 20. His Christmas
will be happier now that his truck has been returned home.
Sources:
WVLT-TV, Knoxville, TN
WBIR-TV,
Knoxville, TN
Tennessee Shop Restores Soldier's Stolen Truck
