BENNETTSVILLE, SC (WBTW) – The Marlboro County Sheriff’s Office says they have arrested three people in reference to a theft ring spanning both North Carolina and South Carolina.
Chief Charles Lemon with the Marlboro County Sheriff’s Office confirms Michael W. Hutchison,48, was charged with six counts of grand larceny, with three valued at more than $10,000; multiple counts of damage to property; and breaking into a motor vehicle.
Tommie Brenda McLaurin, 34, was charged with felon in possession of a firearm, possession of stolen goods and being a fugitive from justice.
Larry Monroe was also arrested and charged with simple possession of marijuana.
According to the Marlboro County Sheriff’s Office, investigators served a search warrant on Nov. 17 for a home on Old Wire Road in Bennettsville after receiving a number of complaints from residents about drugs and stolen goods in the home, Lemon says.
During the search, stolen goods from several cases the sheriff’s office was investigating were allegedly recovered. Investigators also confiscated drugs, a stolen firearm and cash.
Lemon says Hutchinson and McLaurin were involved in at least five incidents of theft including:
- Sept. 1 – Bobcat equipment stolen off Beauty Spot Road, valued at $20,000 – Recovered
- Nov. 16 – Towing service broken into on Beauty Spot Road, as well as numerous cars. A truck and truck bed were stolen – The truck and truck bed were recovered
- Nov. 9 – Garage on 15-401 Bypass had a vehicle broken into and rims, tires and electronics stolen, valued at $7,000 – Recovered the rims and tires
- Nov. 15 – On Academy Road, the victim had a side-by-side ATV stolen, valued at $12,000 – Recovered
- Nov. 15 – On Adamsville Road, the victim had a construction trailer with tools stolen, valued at $15,000
“The investigation thus far has shown that drugs were the influencing factor that drove the thefts and also played a major part in the criminal enterprise,” Lemon said.
