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News: Front-end loader leaves path of destruction over $80 debt

Okay, this gets listed under "friends in low places". Enjoy!

Later!

Tater Scot

From the news desk of ilovetater.com

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Front-end loader leaves path of destruction over $80 debt

On Wednesday, Ronald Morphis came home to his home near Yoder to find his life in shambles. A front-end loader was used to smash his home (pictured), his garage, overturn cars and destroy most of his possessions. Jack Herbst, a nearby resident, was arrested and charged with felony criminal mischief. Morphis said he was involved in a dispute over money with Herbst according to the El Paso County Sheriff's Office. El Paso County Sheriff's Deputies found tire tracks from Herbst's residence to the Morphis property.

LANCE BENZEL and JOEL MILLMAN
THE GAZETTE

For 12 years, Ron Morphis painstakingly built a life on a farm in Yoder in eastern El Paso County, restoring antique vehicles, finishing an addition to his home and putting up a garage.

In one hour, his neighbor destroyed it all over a debt of $80, Morphis' sister said.

Jack Herbst, 63, was arrested Wednesday on suspicion of felony criminal mischief and booked into the El Paso County Jail on $10,000 bond, accused of going on a rampage through Morphis' property with a front-end loader.

Morphis' sister, Loranne McLaughlin, said Thursday the front-end loader carved a path of destruction at 36630 Bellemont Road that caused $250,000 worth of damage.

The brick garage Morphis built was destroyed. The two-bedroom addition to his home was destroyed. Six vehicles, including a restored 1956 Willys Jeep and 1949 Chevy pickup owned by his father were overturned. Two campers and a trailer were damaged. A propane tank and farm equipment were destroyed. Electrical and phone lines were ripped out.

Lastly, more than a dozen mature elm trees were ripped out of the ground with a chain attached to the front-end loader.

All of it allegedly done by a neighbor, a man Morphis considered a friend whom he had helped out in the past...

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