The one-year prison sentence of a Salt Lake man convicted of horse theft after a lengthy probe is proof that, while the justice system moves slowly, it works, says an investigator in the case.
The conviction and sentence of Dennis R. Eller "restores my faith in the nation's judicial system," said Martin Jones, a brand inspector with the Utah Department of Agriculture.Eller, 41, was arrested Oct. 22, 1987, and charged with 10 counts of felony horse theft. The charges stemmed from the theft of 10 quarter horses, which investigators said were stolen to be sold for meat.
More than a year later, on Nov. 9, 1988, Eller was convicted in a non-jury trial before 3rd District Judge John Rokich. The judge on Dec. 12 sentenced Eller to one year in the Utah State Prison and ordered him to pay restitution.