Officials: Harmon withheld info in stolen property case

Published 12:00 am Wednesday, June 19, 2013

MOORESVILLE — Rowan deputies added more charges for a NASCAR driver and his business partner after authorities said the driver withheld information during the investigation.
Officers said Mike Harmon turned himself in to Shelby authorities days after deputies searched a storage shed in Catawba County and Harmon’s shop in Mooresville on May 28.
He was charged with felony larceny and felony breaking and entering.
According to arrest reports, deputies said Harmon withheld the location of evidence from Detective Carl Dangerfield during the investigation.
Authorities also issued additional warrants for David E. Novak of Tinley Park in Illinois. Sheila Rae Rice of Hickory was charged previously in the incident.
Investigators said Novak and Rice helped Harmon take the trailer, along with seven vehicles, from NASCAR truck racer Jennifer Jo Cobb last year.
Harmon is a former team manager for Cobb’s Nationwide racing team.
Warrants valued the stolen equipment at $125,000.
In an affidavit filed last month, Dangerfield wrote that Harmon initially told investigators he would return the missing trailer but later had a change of heart.
“Mr. Harmon did not return the car hauler at 8 a.m., Wednesday, May 14, 2013 as he had promised,” Dangerfield wrote. “ … I called Mr. Harmon and he stated he had changed his mind and was prepared to be arrested if necessary.”
Harmon turned himself in Monday evening. He was released after posting a $10,000 bond.