Artist duo facing fraud, theft charges return to court in July
Posted on Wednesday, June 11, 2008
The Siloam Springs artist and his wife who are facing fraud and theft charges are expected to return to court next month.
Scott McElveen, deputy public defender, was recently appointed to represent Timothy Tyler, said Kip Whittemore, prosecuting attorney on the case. McElveen needed more time to become familiar with the case.
Benton County Judge Tom Keith reset the case to July 7 in a hearing June 2. The case was previously reset at the May 2 hearing and after the Tylers could not access the computer hard drive that contained Timothy Tyler’s artwork.
Tyler’s wife, Shandine, is still being represented by John Elrod, a partner for Conner and Winters. Elrod previously said he does not comment on pending litigation.
Timothy and Shandine Tyler, of 703 W. Highland Court, face charges of fraudulent use of a credit card and theft.
The charges originate from a workshop that Timothy Tyler was expected to host in Belfast, Ireland, in June 2007.
Court records show Tyler did not show up for the June 9 to June 16 workshop at Limepark Arts and Cottages.
The Tylers told police they had a family emergency and could not host the workshop.
However, the owner of Limepark Arts and Cottages didn’t book the workshop because the Tylers had a $ 3, 000 balance from a previous workshop held there.
The alleged theft victims had their credit cards charged nearly $ 17, 000 for the workshop and rail and airline tickets.
Some flew to Belfast and waited for someone to pick them up at the airport, but the ride never arrived.
The cost of the workshop was for lodging, meals, transportation to and from the Belfast International Airport, artist instruction, supplies and day trips to local castles.
The Tylers reportedly refunded the charges.
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