Fort Campbell Auto Theft: Duo Indicted in Scheme

PADUCAH, KY – A brazen scheme to steal and sell vehicles from Fort Campbell has landed two Kentucky men in federal trouble. Daniel Lee Clark, 20, and Joseph Pewitt, 57, were indicted by a federal grand jury today, accused of turning a profit off stolen military property. The investigation, a joint effort between the FBI and Fort Campbell’s Provost Marshal’s Office, reveals a calculated operation that exploited a military installation.

According to the indictment, Clark, a civilian residing on the Fort Campbell Army Installation, allegedly posed as an employee of the Fort Campbell housing authority. He claimed his job was to dispose of impounded vehicles. Between April and May of 2022, Clark allegedly sold over 20 of these vehicles to Guthrie Scrap Yard, ignoring the fact that the vehicles were stickered for impound by Fort Campbell police. The scrap yard then crushed most of the stolen cars. Authorities say Clark had no legitimate employment with the housing authority and zero authorization to sell the vehicles, meaning he was operating a pure theft ring.

The trail didn’t end with Clark. Joseph Pewitt, the owner of Guthrie Scrap Yard, allegedly became aware that the vehicles were potentially stolen when a tow truck driver raised concerns. Instead of reporting it, Pewitt allegedly ordered an employee to create falsified invoices detailing the purchases from Clark. These fabricated documents were then provided to military investigators in an attempt to cover up the illegal activity. During an interview with the FBI, Pewitt allegedly doubled down on the deception, making materially false statements about the bogus invoices.

U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Jodi Cohen of the FBI Louisville Field Office, and Chief Keith Shumate of the Fort Campbell Provost Marshal’s Office jointly announced the indictment. This isn’t just about stolen vehicles; it’s about a breach of security at a vital military installation and a calculated attempt to obstruct justice,” said a source close to the investigation. “We will not tolerate such actions.”

Both Clark and Pewitt are scheduled to make their initial court appearances before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky, Paducah Division, at a later date. If convicted, Clark faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison. Pewitt is looking at a potential 10-year sentence. Remember, there’s no parole in the federal system – these sentences are served in full.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Raymond McGee, of the U.S. Attorney’s Paducah Branch Office, is leading the prosecution. It’s crucial to remember that an indictment is merely an accusation. Both Clark and Pewitt are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. Grimy Times will continue to follow this case as it develops and bring you the unvarnished truth.