Alabama man arrested on theft, failure-to-appear charges

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

photo Johnny Lewis Payne, 38, is facing a first-degree theft of property charge.

An Alabama man being sought after failing to appear in court is facing an additional theft charge after being apprehended.

Johnny Lewis Payne, 38, is facing a first-degree theft of property charge in connection with a stolen ATV in Jackson County, according to a news release from the sheriff's office. He also is facing a failure to appear charge after he didn't show up in court to face a contempt of court charge, the release said.

Payne is in Jackson County Jail, where he remains without bond, the release said.

On Wednesday, a sheriff's investigator went to the Greens Chapel community to gather information about the stolen ATV. He found the vehicle in a barn, then located Payne in an abandoned van near the barn, the release said.

During a search, a small amount of methamphetamine was found on Payne, the release said, and more charges against him may be forthcoming.