ELIZABETHTOWN — The Bladen County Sheriff’s Office, working in tandem with law enforcement agencies in Columbus County, Robeson County and Bladenboro, arrested three men they say were involved with a three-county larceny ring.
“This investigation has been ongoing for several months,” said Bladen County Sheriff Jim McVicker. “My deputies have worked closely with officers from Columbus and Robeson County Sheriff’s Offices as well as Lumberton Police Department, Whiteville Police Department and Bladenboro Police Department.”
He added that more than $20,000 worth of stolen property had been recovered from Bladen County and another $10,000 worth had been recovered from other jurisdictions.
“We recovered four-wheelers, tools, lawn mowers, trailers and other property,” McVicker said. “These individuals were targeting barns, sheds and outbuildings and most of their thefts occurred during daylight hours when homeowners were away.”
Arrested were:
— Jerry Paul Britt Junior, 41, of Hallsboro, who was charged with five counts of felonious larceny, 11 counts of obtaining property by false pretense, six counts of felony possession of stolen goods, two counts of felony larceny, one count of breaking and entering a motor vehicle and one civil contempt charge for child support. Britt was placed under a $199,000 secured bond.
— Tristan McRae Singletary, 32, of Bladenboro, who was charged with five counts of felonious larceny, one count of misdemeanor larceny, one count of felony breaking or entering a motor vehicle, one count of obtaining property by false pretense, and one count of felony conspiracy to commit larceny. Singletary received a bond totaling $80,000.
— George Robert Matheson, 26, of Bladenboro, who was served with a warrant for felonious larceny, and felony possession of stolen goods. He was placed under a $2,000 secured bond.
All three men are currently in the Bladen County Jail.
Law enforcement is still searching for a fourth indicidual in connection with the larceny ring. Dillon Alexander Freeman, 20, of Bladenboro is wanted for several counts of misdemeanor larceny and two counts of larceny of a motor vehicle.
“Cooperation between law enforcement agencies is the key to success in these times,” said McVicker. “It is a force multiplier. I am glad to cooperate with the surrounding agencies. They help us and we receive their help in return. It is a win, win situation for everyone.”
Anyone with information on Freeman’s whereabouts can call the Sheriff’s Office at 910-862-6960. All information will remain anonymous.
W. Curt Vincent can be reached by calling 910-862-4163.
