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MISSOULA COUNTY, Mont. — A man who allegedly stole a vehicle, laptop, military uniform and military medals from a marine veteran in Utah was arrested in Montana Sunday, officials confirmed.
Kurt Harris, who served in the military for 10 years, met a man who said his name was Michael Manning at a gym in Salt Lake City about six months ago, and they bonded over both serving in the military together. A couple of weeks ago, Manning needed somewhere to stay, and Harris let him crash on his couch. Harris learned of his stolen property after getting home from a work trip.
Harris shared his misfortune on Facebook, and others messaged him and said Manning had tricked them as well.
According to Sgt. Travis Welsh with the Missoula Police Department, police arrested John Michael Manning in Missoula in connection with a parole violation after they received a tip. The person who tipped off police knew Manning’s location, and police arrested him there without incident. Manning was booked into jail and is currently waiting for an extradition hearing.
Related:
Former Marine has uniform, medals stolen by man posing as fellow Marine vet
A former Marine is still trying to understand why someone he says posing a Marine vet would steal not only his trust, but also much more than that.Detective Greg Wilking with the Salt Lake City Police Department said they are working with various agencies to get Manning secured and brought back to Utah to face charges. “It’s a very complex puzzle that we’re putting together with many different jurisdictions,” Wilking said. “We’re talking about across state lines, and so we got to piece it all together and figure out what the best course of action is in order to get him charged with the crimes that he has committed.”
Harris said knowing that his uniform and medals and ribbons are in good hands and will be returned to him was one of the greatest feelings he has felt to date.
“The amount of support and love that I have received from people over the past week has just been incredible,” Harris said.
Contributing: Brianna Bodily
