Grand Forks County (TRF News) – Man Who Stole $140K Semi Sentenced to 10 Years—But Will Serve Only 3
A Grand Forks County man who stole a $140,000 semi, caused nearly $12,000 in damages, and led law enforcement on a chase has been sentenced to 10 years in prison—but will only serve three before being placed on probation.
Mark Steven Crompton, 44, pleaded guilty to six charges, including four felonies and two misdemeanors.
The Crimes That Led to Crompton’s Arrest
Crompton was being pursued for an unrelated theft investigation in the early morning hours of May 27, 2024, when a 2005 Peterbilt semi was reported stolen from Ironhide Bobcat dealership in Grand Forks.
The stolen semi and its attachments were valued at:
- $140,000 for the semi-truck
- $110,000 for an attached trailer
- $250,000 for an excavator
How He Was Caught
- Later that day, law enforcement found the semi abandoned in Reynolds, North Dakota.
- The truck had damage to the instrument cluster, air lines, brakes, and steering column, totaling $11,889.96.
- Inside the semi, officers found a jacket and hat belonging to Crompton—the same clothing he was wearing while fleeing earlier that day.
Crompton’s Charges & Sentencing
Crompton pleaded guilty to:
- Class A Felony Theft (Value over $50,000)
- Class B Felony Criminal Mischief (Damage exceeding $10,000)
- Two Counts of Class C Felony Unlawful Entry into a Vehicle
- Class A Misdemeanor Theft ($500-$1,000)
- Class B Misdemeanor Refusal to Halt
On February 20, 2025, he was sentenced to 10 years in prison, but will only serve 3 years before being placed on:
- 3 years of supervised probation
- Risk of serving the remaining 7 years if probation is violated
Crompton also received credit for 127 days already served in jail.
Since all of his pending Grand Forks County theft cases were settled concurrently, he will serve all sentences at the same time rather than back-to-back.
Justice Served?
Despite stealing a semi worth $140,000, causing thousands in damage, and leading law enforcement on a pursuit, Crompton will only serve 3 years behind bars before being released on probation.
If he violates any conditions, he could serve the remaining 7 years of his sentence.
I’m Chris Harper, reporting for TRF News