CLARK COUNTY, Ind. — A Clark County man and two others are in custody following a theft investigation involving Southern Smokers LLC, a trailer and smoker business operating in Jefferson County, Indiana.
The investigation, launched by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office in April, began after over 15 customers reported paying for custom smokers or trailers they never received. The business, located at 3400 West Marble Hill Road, is owned by Jeffery Briscoe II, who allegedly operated under the alias Chris Vanmeter to mislead victims and conceal his real identity.
Authorities estimate total losses from the scam exceed $80,000.
On Thursday, deputies executed a search warrant at the business address and arrested Briscoe. He faces 10 counts of theft and one count of corrupt business influence. He is currently being held in the Jefferson County Jail on a $250,000 bond. Officials say additional charges may follow.
During the search, two other individuals were also taken into custody:
Jason Gibson-Gobel, 41, was charged with possession of methamphetamine and assisting a criminal.
Shawn Webster, 42, was charged with assisting a criminal.
The sheriff’s office urges any other potential victims of the scam to contact Lieutenant Spry at the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.
