Schuylkill County man has been jailed for theft by deception after he purchased a 2005 Hummer and sold it for a profit even though he never legally paid for the vehicle.

Trooper Chad M Smith, of the Schuylkill Haven State Police, said that on Jan. 28, he was contacted by Lehigh Valley Auction, who reported that on July 24, 2013, Robert D. Schappell Jr, 42, of 440 Lake Front Drive, Deer Lake, purchased a 2005 Hummer at the auction for $18,695.50 via check, and removed the Hummer from the auction.

The check was later deposited into their bank account, and was returned for non-sufficient funds. The Hummer was never titled to the accused because he never legally paid for the Hummer. The Hummer was still legally owned by Lehigh Valley Auction.

Schappell went and sold the Hummer to Larry Luckenbill, 69, of White Haven, on Nov. 15, 2013, for $8,500, knowing that he did not legally have ownership of the vehicle.

Schappell was charged with theft by deception, receiving stolen property, and deceptive or fraudulent business practices.

He was arraigned on Feb. 6 by District Justice Ferrier, District Court 21-3-03. He was given $50,000 bail and remained in Schuylkill County Prison.

This is an ongoing investigation. Anyone with similar incidents involving the accused are asked to call PSP Schuylkill Haven, Trooper Smith.