Ariz. woman arrested in connection with theft of mule harness that was sold to a pawn shop

(AP) Sheriff's deputies in Yavapai County arrested a Prescott woman after connecting her to a set of stolen mule harnesses sold to a pawn shop.

Deborah Kay Atkission-Oberon, 41, was booked on theft, burglary and trafficking in stolen property charges Thursday, according to Susan Quayle, a sheriff's spokeswoman.

The two-team harness, including blinders, bits and driving reins with metal tags identifying the mules by name, were stolen from a Chino Valley resident's garage on June 17, Quayle said.

The rigging, called a crupper harness, was the only thing taken in the burglary, she said.

"It's unusual because most people have no clue how much they're worth unless you work in that field," Quayle said. "But she knew exactly what she was looking for. They were used, and even used they were worth $2,000."

The harness was found at a pawn shop in Prescott Thursday, and deputies traced the pawn ticket to Atkission-Oberon, who was arrested at her home.

The pawn shop had only paid Atkission-Oberon $200 for the rigging, Quayle said.