Billy Lewis
A man whose criminal record in Baxter County stretches back more than 13 years entered not guilty pleas to two new criminal cases during an appearance in Baxter County Circuit Court Thursday.
With the new filings, 35-year-old William (Billy) Lewis, Jr., of Mountain Home is facing charges in nine active criminal cases.
During a previous appearance in Baxter County Circuit Court, Lewis said many of the latest charges against him were all due to a “misunderstanding.”
During his appearance Thursday, Lewis again professed his innocence. Circuit Judge John Putman set Lewis’ bond at $20,000 cash. The state has asked his bond be set at $100,000 cash. Deputy Prosecutor Kerry Chism said the bond should be high since “everytime this man gets out of jail, he commits more crimes.”
In the new cases, Lewis’ charges, which were all filed within the last two months, include theft of property, theft by receiving and residential burglary.
In one case, Lewis is alleged to have removed catalytic converters from vans belonging to local churches and other vehicles.
A search warrant was served on Lewis’ vehicle and residence Jun. 23. According to the probable cause affidavit, 10 catalytic converters were located.
Lewis is reported to have told officers the converters were removed from vehicles he owns.
The vehicles were said to be located at a relative’s residence.
Lewis would not provide the relative’s name or address to investigators.
Lewis and his estranged wife, 35-year-old Heather, were both charged with involvement in stealing catalytic converters from vehicles owned by her parents in January 2020. She is currently an inmate at the McPherson Unit of the state prison system.
The catalytic converters are attractive to thieves because they contain platinum, palladium and rhodium.
One of the new cases filed against Lewis stems from the alleged theft of a Chevrolet Suburban from a residence along Highway 201 South.
Lewis is reported to have used his own personal tow truck to haul the stolen vehicle away.
The son of the vehicle’s owner began following Lewis.
According to the probable cause affidavit, Lewis pulled over at one point and asked the son if he could help him.
When the son said the vehicle Lewis was towing belong to his father, Lewis took off.
He wrecked his tow truck in a curve on County Road 8. The son is reported to have detained Lewis and a female passenger until law officers arrived.
Through the years, Lewis has been charged with theft, fleeing, theft by receiving, breaking or entering, being a felon in possession of a firearm and possessing drugs and drug paraphernalia.
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