State Forest Service investigators have charged an Evergreen man with felony timber theft.
Lennon Colt Hinson, 42, of 986 Homer Nance Rd., was arrested April 10 (today) on a single felony count of larceny of timber, and five misdemeanor charges of not providing wood tickets. His bond was not immediately available. He also faces similar charges in Robeson County.
NCFS Spokesman Phillip Jackson said in a press release that the arrest came after a complaint from a landowner about alleged timber theft.
In November 2024, according to warrants, Hinson, the owner of Evergreen Logging, contracted with Anthony Odessa to cut timber on 125 acres on Eden Lane, Tabor City. State law requires timber harvesters to provide landowners with wood load tickets for every load removed from a property within 30 days of it being cut.
Hinson made partial payment for the timber, according to the warrant, but failed to pay $36,204. State law requires restitution of three times the amount owed for timber, or $108,612.
The complaint was filed last week, the NCFS said in a statement. Forest Service worked with the sheriff’s office to investigate the case and arrest Hinson.
The N.C. Forest Service has legislatively mandated to investigated and enforced North Carolina timber theft laws since December 2021. If you believe you are the victim of timber theft, please contact your N.C. Forest Service county ranger.
