Man accused of trying to sell stolen truck online

SANDPOINT — A preliminary hearing is pending for a Bonner County man accused of trying to sell a stolen pickup truck on a social networking website.

Matthew Duane Howard Jr. is charged with grand theft. He is free on $20,000 bond.

The Toyota found in Howard’s possession was reported stolen in Sagle on Oct. 13. The vehicle’s owner had been poring over postings and Facebook and discovered his truck being offered for sale for $1,000 on Nov. 14, according to a probable cause affidavit.

A photo of the vehicle was removed from social media amid the Bonner County Sheriff’s Office investigation, court records indicate.

A deputy confronted Howard, 20, about the rig’s provenance and Howard said he purchased the truck for $350 through an ad posted to online classified ad service craigslist.com, the affidavit said. However, Howard was unable to produce a receipt, a motor vehicle title or the truck’s keys. The purported purchase price also raised suspicion because the truck was in good condition and working order, the affidavit said.

Court records indicate that Howard also sent the alleged victim text messages stating that he would return the vehicle and urging him not to involve the authorities.

A hearing to determine whether enough evidence exist to justifying trying Howard on the felony offense was set for Nov. 23, but was postponed. Bonner County Deputy Prosecutor Roger Hanlon advised the court that another felony charge would be forthcoming, court records show.

The preliminary hearing is reset for Dec. 14.