Tow truck driver gets probation for theft from dead man

A judge has sentenced a Colorado Springs tow truck operator to two years probation for stealing items that once belonged to a dead musician whose trailer had been towed.

Fourth Judicial District Judge David A. Gilbert imposed the sentence on Paul Henry Epler, 44, on Tuesday.

The judge also ordered Epler, the owner of Action Towing, to perform 50 hours of useful community service within one year and to stay away from victims and witnesses in the case.

That last order came after Ronnie Archuleta, a former employee who testified against Epler, expressed concerns at the sentencing hearing about possible retribution.

Archuleta testified during the trial that Epler said, “This (expletive deleted) is mine now,” referring to a laptop computer and satellite radio taken from a camper that had belonged to Thomas Boyer.

Boyer, a travelling musician from California, died accidently of carbon-monoxide poisoning when a gas-fueled generator inside the bathroom of his camper malfunctioned. Police did not suspect foul play in the death.

On Feb. 2, Epler reported finding Boyer’s body after towing the camper from behind a King Soopers store at 815 Cheyenne Mountain Road. After Boyer’s relatives came to reclaim his belongings, they reported several items missing, including a sound mixing board and harmonicas.

The judge also ordered Epler to pay restitution to the victims.

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