The second time wasn’t the charm for two scrap metal theft suspects. Both have been charged with damaging and stealing a Bladen County School, with losses amounting to $200,000.
Brandon Johnson Inman, 37, and Forrest Ray Kelly, 28, were each charged with breaking, entering and larceny at East Arcadia School on Sept. 1 according to the Bladen County Sheriff’s Office. Inman was held under $200,000 bond, and Kelly was held without bond.
The BCSO said deputies were called to the closed East Arcadia Primary School Aug. 26 after a report of breaking or entering and “severe property damage” on the recently closed campus.
Investigators found 12 air conditioning missing or destroyed as well as a large quantity of copper pipe and wires cut and stripped from the interior of the building.
A nearby resident reported seeing two white males in a gray jeep with a trailer, and other witnesses said the trailer was “loaded down with a lot of scrap metal and miscellaneous metal.”
On Aug. 31, the BCSO said, investigators were contacted by a Columbus County Sheriff’s Office Deputy. The deputy had spoken with an anonymous caller who identified Kelly and Inman.
The next day, investigators were contacted by a Bladen County Schools Maintenance worker who there had been another break in at the East Arcadia Primary School that occurred within the previous two days. Two complete outdoor air condition units were stolen, the report said.
Bladen County Schools Maintenance Department provided that the total loss of stolen or damaged property could exceed $200,000.00.
That same day, detectives executed a search warrant of Inman’s residence. Several items were located and identified to be stolen from East Arcadia School. Among the scrap metal was a teacher of the month sign from the school.
During Inman’s initial interview he allegedly admitted to breaking in and stealing from East Arcadia School along with Kelly. Kelly was taken into custody by Columbus County Sheriff’s Office. Kelly also had pending unrelated charges.
Inman was transported to Bladen County Detention Center and received a $200,000 bond.
Kelly was transported to Columbus County Detention Center and held without bond.
Inman’s address was listed as 16 Burnham St., Delco. Kelly’s address was reported as 25336 Andrew Jackson Hwy., Delco.
Sheriff Jim McVicker thanked Columbus deputies for their assistance on the case.
