Greentown farm equipment salesman arrested for fraud, forgery
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Indiana State Police have arrested a Greentown man on 17 felony charges of fraud, forgery and corrupt business practices.
Dustin Echelbarger, 43, is accused of engaging in “fraudulent activities by buying, selling, and trading equipment to farmers across northern Indiana” while working as a farm equipment salesman.
ISP said in a news release that its investigation began in October 2024 after officers received information regarding Echelbarger’s alleged activities.
Our partners at CBS4 report Echelbarger was a salesman for Truland Equipment, a John Deere dealer located in the Grant County town of Swayzee.
According to ISP, Echelbarger collected more than $750,000 through fabricated purchase orders and secured more than $650,000 in loans under the names of local farmers.
One of Echelbarger’s alleged victims, Kimberly Hannah, celebrated his arrest on social media.
“This individual is a heartless thief who has mercilessly stolen from small farms, small businesses, communities, financial institutions and innocent individuals, showing no remorse for his actions,” Hannah said. “His greed and lack of conscience have caused profound harm—destroying livelihoods, destroying farming operations, disrupting families, and undermining the trust that holds communities together.”
Echelbarger has an initial court appearance scheduled for Monday morning.