BUSTED: Theft ring spanned over two counties | Crime

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WECT) – Authorities broke up a theft ring operating in the Ash area of Brunswick County and extending into Columbus County this past week.

An investigation started last weekend after Brunswick County Sheriff's Special Operation Units stopped a black Chevy S-10 and discovered stolen property, according to spokesperson Del Routh.

Detectives arrested the owner of Right Way Vinyl Construction and are looking for at least two others. Two of the suspects were employees at the business and, Routh said, company trucks were used to transport stolen property.

Numerous stolen Brunswick County items, valued at $30,000, were found in Columbus County, according to Routh.

The following men were arrested and more charges are expected:

• Christopher Lee Hines, 37, of the 16000 block of Peacock Road in Chadbourn, was charged with possession of stolen property and felony larceny. He was given a $12,000 bond.
• James Alfred Blackwell, 47, of the 3000 block of Happy Home Road in Nakina, was charged with obtaining property by false pretense, felony larceny and chop shop activity by theft. He was given a $25,000 bond.

Warrants are outstanding for the following:

• Wilford Benard Gore, 29, of the 1000 block of Cordis Trail in Supply
• Cory Carroll Faircloth, 29, of the 3000 block of Old Cribbtown Road in Chadbourn

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