An El Paso man was found guilty of theft Wednesday after Doña Ana County Sheriff’s investigators say he pilfered thousands of dollars worth of collectible coins from his boss.
Richard Ledbetter, 58, was reportedly hired six years ago by an Anthony man to do yard work and maintenance around the man’s home. Over the course of about eight months, Ledbetter gained access to the man’s extensive coin collection, which had been amassed during a 40-year period.
The value of the entire collection was initially estimated at about $250,000 but was later determined to have a net value of $80,000.
Ledbetter told investigators he suffered from drug and alcohol addiction. He took the coins to an automated, self-service coin processing machine to exchange for paper money that he would in turn use to feed his addiction.
A jury in the Third Judicial District Court convicted Ledbetter of third-degree felony theft late Wednesdayevening.
He was immediately booked at the Doña Ana County Detention Center, where he is being held without bond pending sentencing.
Information from: Dona Ana County