By BOB GIBBINS
TAHLEQUAH DAILY PRESS — Legal problems continue to mount for a Cherokee County man charged Wednesday afternoon with embezzlement.
William Patrick “Pat” Potts, 47, is charged with fraudulently appropriating more than $5,000 between June 1 and July 1 by converting a horse owned by Bobby Replogle to his own use and benefit.
Potts was indicted last month in federal court on drug and firearm charges. An arrest warrant was issued, with a $20,000 bond set by Special District Judge Holli Pursley.
An affidavit filed in the case states Potts reported the horse, “Cadillac Cad” stolen June 8, 2007. Replogle took Cadillac Cad May 29 to Potts for training. When Replogle went to Potts’ home June 2 to check on the horse, it was progressing to Replogle’s satisfaction.
The affidavit filed by Oklahoma Department of Agriculture Investigator James Smith states Potts filed a report with Sheriff’s Deputy Gary Cacy, indicating the horse was missing for approximately 14 months. Potts also claimed he told Sheriff’s Deputy Roger Fine about the missing animal, but Fine told investigators he never spoke with Potts.
Smith learned Aug. 1 that Scotty Campbell had “Cadillac Cad” near Tucker, Texas. The horse was recovered Aug. 4 by Smith, working with the Bossier, La., Sheriff’s Office, Texas Southwest Cattle Raisers Investigators and the American Quarter Horse Association.
Campbell bought “Cadillac Cad” from Joe Duhon, who purchased the horse from Thomas Kilgore. Kilgore had bought the horse from an unknown person in the parking lot of the Sallisaw Stock Sale in June 2007. It was later determined Potts sold the horse, without permission, to Kilgore for $1,000. The value of “Cadillac Cad” is $4,500.
Embezzlement is punishable by imprisonment for up to 10 years and/or a fine not to exceed $10,000 and restitution.
