Stolen Truck Leads to Guns, Financial Crimes

Summer Malpass, James Delaney and Crystal Long (CCSO)
Summer Malpass, James Delaney and Crystal Long (CCSO)

Trying to pawn a gold bracelet led to the arrests of three suspects in a string of crimes involving stolen financial information, firearms and a vehicle on Tuesday.

James Andrew Delaney, Crystal Gayle Long and Summer Regan Malpass were jailed on multiple felonies after they allegedly went to a Chadbourn pawn shop in a stolen truck.

The sheriff’s office reported that Chadbourn police spotted the black Chevrolet Silverado pickup at noon in the parking lot of Pawn South on Brown Street. Capt. R. Adams of the sheriff’s office and Chadbourn Police found Delany and Long, and took them into custody. In the truck were an Ar-15 rifle, an Ar-15 pistol, a Taurus handgun and a Glock handgun, along with $6,200 in cash.

“Detective Justin Inman, who arrived on the scene post-arrest, noted that the suspects were attempting to pawn a large gold bracelet at the time of their apprehension,” the CCSO said in a press release. When Delany and Long were taken to the sheriff’s office for questioning, cocaine was discovered on their persons, the report said.

“During separate interviews, both Delaney and Long provided conflicting statements regarding their involvement and ownership of the stolen items and narcotics,” the report said.

Det. John Van Etten conducted an identity search on the two individuals Wednesday when he discovered that Delaney had given a false name, and both Delany and Long were “involved in other criminal activities,” including theft of financial cards, firearms and a zero turn lawnmower. Malpass allegedly was also involved in the crimes, the report said, and she was also taken into custody.

Delaney, 34, was held under $60,000 secured bond. He was charged with 10 felony counts financial card theft, three counts each of larceny of a firearm and possession of stolen property, and two counts Felony Conspiracy.

Long, 47, was charged with 10 felony counts financial card theft, exploitation of disabled/elderly person, four counts of possession of stolen property, three felony counts of larceny of a firearm, and Felony Larceny.

Long and Delaney both gave their addresses as 559 Webb Rd., Lake Waccamaw.

Malpass, 23, was charged with felony larceny, possessing/receiving stolen property, and conspiracy. She was also charged with failure to appear for a 2022 DWI and speeding case. Her bond was set at $12,000. Malpass gave her address as 247 Bordeaux Rd., Delco.

Sheriff  Bill Rogers praised all the officers involved in the case.

“Their dedication and teamwork were instrumental in bringing these suspects to justice and recovering stolen property,” Rogers said in the press release. “Our team worked tirelessly to resolve this case swiftly and effectively. We remain dedicated in our commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our community, and we will continue to pursue justice for all victims of crime.”

About Jefferson Weaver 2612 Articles
Jefferson Weaver is the Managing Editor of Columbus County News and he can be reached at (910) 914-6056, (910) 632-4965, or by email at jeffersonweaver@ColumbusCountyNews.com.