A Concordia man has been charged with a felony for tampering with a motor vehicle.

According to a probable cause statement, a Higginsville Police Officer was notified of a possible stolen car in the area of Highway 13 and I-70 on Sunday, April 9, 2023. Upon arrival in the area, the officer observed the vehicle turning onto the westbound I-70 ramp.

The driver, identified as Robert Smith denied knowledge of the vehicle being stolen to the officer and that it had been purchased off of Facebook and the paperwork was in Kansas City.

The officer contacted the owner of the vehicle who stated that his hotel had been burglarized that day and several items as well as the vehicle had been stolen.

The owner of the hotel stated to the officer that Smith had been allowed to stay there rent free in exchange for handyman work and that Smith had allegedly stolen from the hotel.

According to court documents, Smith has been charged with a felony for first degree tampering with a vehicle.

Bond was set at $25,000 cash only.

Smith was arraigned on Wednesday, April 12, 2023 and has a counsel status hearing scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 26, 2023 at Lafayette County Circuit Court.