Charges Dropped In Cobb/Harmon Theft Case

Mike Harmon

The Rowan County (N.C.) District Attorney has dropped larceny charges filed against NASCAR driver Mike Harmon related to the theft of rival Jennifer Jo Cobb’s transporter, race trucks and equipment in May of this year.

Harmon and Cobb’s former partner, David Novak, were charged with larceny and larceny after breaking and entering when a tractor-trailer filled with race vehicles and equipment disappeared from Cobb’s race shop in May. The District Attorney said today that the charges were dropped in part because ownership of the items in question cannot be established, and because Cobb no longer wishes to pursue the issue.

Jennifer Jo Cobb

“After much discussion with my legal counsel I have decided that upon the conclusion of the civil matters, I would like to be finished with any further connections to these parties and events,” said Cobb said in a written statement last week. “To endure an ongoing criminal case would simply be counterproductive to my moving on and the 2014 race season.”

Cobb and Novak were involved both romantically and as business partners until ending their relationship last year. The personal aspect of their relationship reportedly clouded the legal waters, making it impossible to determine where the business aspect of their arrangement ended and the personal side began.

“The elements of intent and ownership of the property in question cannot be proven beyond a reasonable doubt,” said documents filed as part of this week’s dismissal. “The alleged conduct and issues raised are more appropriate for civil litigation.”

Harmon’s race team issued a written statement this week, saying, “Mike would like to personally thank all of the many friends and fans that gave him support and stood by him during this time in his life. Now that this is behind him, Mike wants to move forward with his Nationwide and Truck teams.”