PIKE COUNTY, Ky. — Mont David Bryant, 46, of Verdunville, West Virginia, was extradited to Pike County and lodged in the Pike County Detention Center on Sept. 22. He faces charges of theft by unlawful taking (valued between $10,000 and $1 million) and first-degree criminal mischief.
The charges stem from the alleged theft of a concession trailer on Feb. 24, shortly after the Valentine’s Day weekend flood on Feb. 15–16. While the trailer was recovered, equipment inside was damaged and some items were missing, leading to the additional criminal mischief charge.
A Pike County grand jury issued a true bill against Bryant, and an indictment was filed on March 27. An arrest warrant was issued on March 31 by Judge Howard Keith Hall, who set Bryant’s bond at $20,000 cash.
Because Bryant resided out-of-state, the warrant was entered into the National Crime Information Center database. Law enforcement in West Virginia identified Bryant during a separate encounter, leading to his arrest. He waived extradition and was transported back to Pike County.
Due to the theft occurring during a declared disaster, the charges were elevated — theft is a Class B felony (normally Class C), and criminal mischief is a Class C felony (normally Class D). Pike County Commonwealth’s Attorney Bill Slone emphasized that this legal provision helps deter looting during emergencies.
Bryant is scheduled for arraignment on Oct. 10 in Pike County Circuit Court Division Two.
