Missing Arkansas couple alive

Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2000 | 9:42 a.m.

A state police investigator said Jimmy Dale Treece and Karen Elaine Treece contacted their family last week to report they were OK, but they didn't say where they were, according to reports Monday by KARK and KTHV television stations in Little Rock.

The Treeces were last seen during a trip to Lady Luck Casino in Mississippi just across the river from Helena. Their white 1998 Jeep Cherokee was discovered abandoned in Helena under the U.S. 49 bridge approaching the Mississippi River.

Authorities suspected foul play, but then issued warrants for the couple's arrest, charging them with theft of property after a $15,000 check was cashed in their name.

The $15,000 check was cashed against the account of Treece's house construction company, according to Saline County Sheriff Judy Pridgen. Also, a pawn ticket was issued after some of Mrs. Treece's jewelry was sold. Pridgen said the check was written to pay for work that was never performed on a house under construction by Treece's company.