By JESSA PEASE / Staff Writer

PELHAM— The Pelham Police Department arrested 50-year-old Darren Elmer Ashton and charged him with first-degree theft of property after he allegedly “exerted unauthorized control over” a Ford F-150, according to his arrest warrant.

The incident took place Dec. 14 when Ashton allegedly took possession of the 2008 motor vehicle from Jonathan Motors, a used car dealership on U.S. 31.

Ashton, who lists an address on Vestavia Lake Drive in Vestavia, was transported to the Shelby County Jail. He is being held on a $15,000 bond.

First-degree theft of property is a Class B felony. If convicted, Ashton could spend up to 20 years in prison.