Lake Lure Man Charged with Selling Rented Equipment

A Lake Lure man has been charged after allegedly selling equipment he rented from a Marion business.

Detective Aaron Vallini of the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office charged 46-year-old Jerry Dwayne Epley Jr. with felony conversion. Epley was issued a $7,000 secured bond.

According to the sheriff’s office, the case began on June 23 when Deputy Chris Dvorak responded to a report of property damage and theft. Investigators said Epley rented a piece of machinery but failed to return it. The equipment was later located in Rutherfordton, where it had been sold to another individual.

Authorities reported the machinery had sustained more than $12,000 in damage.