A Coon Rapids man has entered a plea agreement, being charged with 3rd-degree theft for taking a lawn mower back in 2023. According to Carroll County District Court records, 57-year-old Richard Rodney Eckley was taken into custody in October 2023 after a John Deere Zero Turn mower, valued over $15,000, was found chained to his camper, with the battery removed. When questioned about his possession of the mower, Eckley stated, “Because someone owes me money.” Eckley was released from custody after posting a $500 cash bond. While on pretrial release, Eckley failed to meet the requirements and conditions set by the court, refusing to meet with the probation officer, and to take a mental evaluation or a competency test. Eckley was taken into custody in June of this year for violations of his pretrial release, this time being held on a $10,000 cash-only bond. Eckley was facing a charge of 1st-degree theft, a class C felony, and was scheduled for jury trial on Nov. 19. On Nov. 4, Eckley entered a plea agreement, being charged with 3rd-degree theft, an aggravated misdemeanor. When filing the guilty plea, Eckley stated that he admits that if the evidence is presented to the jury, he believes they will find him guilty and that entering this plea bargain would be in his best interest. He wishes to take advantage of the agreement. Eckley has been ordered to serve three years of probation. Violating any terms in the plea agreement will revoke probation, and the original sentence may be imposed.
