An eight-month criminal investigation conducted by detectives from the Indiana State Police Peru Post led to the arrest of a Greentown man.
Dustin J. Echelbarger, 43, was arrested on Wednesday.
The investigation began in October 2024 after officers received information regarding potential fraud, forgery, and corrupt business practices. The preliminary investigation revealed that Echelbarger, while working as a salesman at a local farm equipment store, engaged in fraudulent activities by buying, selling, and trading equipment to farmers across northern Indiana. It was determined that he collected over $750,000 through fabricated purchase orders and secured more than $650,000 in loans under the names of local farmers.
Echelbarger was served with an arrest warrant from Grant County Superior Court II and was incarcerated at the Grant County Jail.
Charges against Echelbarger include:
- Corrupt Business Influence – Level 5 Felony
- Fraud (loss between $50,000 and $100,000) – Level 5 Felony (6 counts)
- Fraud (loss between $750 and $50,000) – Level 6 Felony (2 counts)
- Forgery – Level 6 Felony (8 counts)
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