Pasco deputies: Repairman took client's car to scrap yard

ZEPHYRHILLS — A man brought his 1989 Mercury Grand Marquis to Daniel Earl Ashmore Jr. in early November so Ashmore could repair it.

Instead of fixing it, Ashmore scrapped it — and got $225 from the salvage yard, authorities say.

"This was done without the permission of the vehicle's owner," according to a report from the Pasco County Sheriff's Office.

Ashmore, 29, of 4621 20th St. in Zephyrhills, was arrested Friday and charged with grand theft auto and dealing in stolen property. He was released Saturday on $1,500 bail.

Deputies say the car was worth $800.