Everett Van Jennings, 36, of Sulphur Springs, was sentenced to 15 years in prison on July 10 after pleading guilty to first-degree felony theft of property. As part of a plea agreement, Jennings paid $222,169.98 in restitution to his victims at the time of the plea, ensuring they were "made whole," according to 8th Judicial District Attorney Will Ramsay. He was also ordered to pay a $2,500 fine.
Jennings was accused of orchestrating a massive theft ring, trafficking over $1 million in stolen property that included luxury vehicles like Lamborghinis and Corvettes, as well as boats, heavy machinery, and trailers. Law enforcement initially identified Jennings when a stolen 2021 Lamborghini was tracked to his Hopkins County residence.
Prosecutors alleged that Jennings used a former tenant's name and information to sell stolen property, created a fake social media account in the man's name, and used a phone to send texts, pretending to be the other man, threatening to negatively impact the sheriff's reelection campaign on a social media page if the Hopkins County Sheriff's Office continued their investigation into Jennings.
Jennings has been held in Hopkins County jail since April 4, 2024. Prior charges against him included tampering with a witness, theft of property valued at $30,000 or more, fraudulent use or possession of identifying information, placing a serial number with intent to change identity, two counts of engaging in organized criminal activity, evading arrest or detention with previous conviction, capital murder while remuneration, and online impersonation, according to HCSO jail records.
As a result of the prison sentence and the restitution paid for all theft-related cases, all remaining charges against Jennings were dismissed as part of the plea agreement.
