Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Deal turns sour, ends in local man's arrest

A local businessman has been charged with theft of property.

According to court records, Cecil Argo, 47, of Prescott, made a deal to purchase items from Todd Taylor, but allegedly took more than he had purchased.

Records state Taylor and Donnie Dougan reported the incident to the Nevada County Sheriff's Office after reportedly confronting Argo about correcting the situation.

According to the records, Taylor sold Argo three model airplanes, a single bed, dresser and mirror, several junked all-terrain vehicles, a camper trailer, leaf blower, two power saws along with a couch and recliner for $2,300.

However, when Argo came to get the items, he allegedly took Taylor's tools, a bedroom suit, eight other model planes, a riding lawnmower, a string trimmer, an ATV motor and other miscellaneous items.

Dougan, according to the records, told Taylor Argo had tried to sell him (Dougan) Taylor's tools and some other things, saying he could make him a good deal on them.

Dougan reportedly said he knew the tools were stolen because Taylor had refused to sell them to him several weeks before, telling Dougan the tools were how he (Taylor) made his living.

According to records, Taylor gave Argo time to correct the situation and give him his property back, but Argo reportedly refused.

The Rev. Vernon Livingston saw Argo taking things from Taylor's home at the time and questioned what was going on.

When Livingston reportedly asked Argo where Taylor was, Argo said Taylor was in the house. Livingston told officers, according to records, he found Taylor drunk and left. Livingston said he had no idea what kind of deal had been made between Taylor and Argo.

Argo was charged with theft of property. This is a class C felony, punishable by 3-10 years in the state penitentiary and a fine up to $10,000.