On February 9, 2011 Virginia Rider reported that someone had stolen a 30-30 rifle from her residence in Athens.  Ms. Rider had allowed Brian Whisenhunt and his wife to stay at her residence while she was out of town.  Ms. Rider stated that she had received information that Brian Whisenhunt had tried to sell a 30-30 rifle on two different occasions.  Howard County Investigator John Eric Glidewell received information that the stolen rifle had been pawned in Dequeen.  The stolen rifle has been recovered. Investigator Glidewell interviewed a witness that saw Brian Whisenhunt go into Ms. Rider’s residence and steal the rifle.  A warrant for the arrest of Brian Whisenhunt was obtained and he was entered into NCIC.  On March 21, 2011 the Dequeen Police Department advised the Howard County Sheriff’s Office that they had arrested Brian Whisenhunt w/m dob11/17/1980 of 1545 Hwy. 84 E. Umpire, Ar. and he was transported to the Howard County Jail where he is facing Theft of Property charges.  Whisenhunt’s bond has been set at 5,000 dollars.

Sheriff Butch Morris