An investigation into what the sheriff’s office called an “organized theft ring” has resulted in one arrest and the recovery of multiple stolen vehicles.
Eric Matthew Ward, 40, of Whiteville, was held under $100,000 secured bond. He was arrested Oct.14 on three counts each of felony altering or removing motor vehicle serial numbers and felony possession of stolen vehicles; felony possession catalytic converter; possess, buy or seek property with altered serial numbers; security yea titles, felony breaking and entering; property damage; two counts larceny of catalytic converters, and three charges of larceny of motor vehicle parts.
An extended investigation by the sheriff’s office led to a search warrant for Ward’s home in Lees Lake. Investigators recovered a GMC 2500 Denali and a Can-Am side-by-side reported stolen out of Horry County, S.C.; a Ford F-250 stolen from Columbus County; a G3 center-console boat reported stolen from Brunswick County; and additional stolen property. The recovered property closed several larceny cases, according to a sheriff’s office press release. The total estimated value of the property recovered during this investigation is approximately $150,000.
