Forest Service investigators have charged a Clayton man with multiple counts of timber theft and exploitation of senior adults.
Joel Blake Lee, 55, was arrested this morning (July 8) on four counts of larceny of timber; three counts of larceny; conspiracy; three charges of exploitation of a senior or disabled adult; seven felony counts of obtaining property by false pretenses, and three felony counts of forging deeds or wills. He was also charged with five misdemeanor counts of improper wood load tickets.
The N.C. Forest Service said the arrest came after a lengthy investigation into Frontier Timber Inc. The alleged timber thefts occurred in Columbus, Chatham, Onslow, Pender and Wayne counties, the NCFS said.
Lee is alleged to have illegally harvested and sold more than $30,000 worth of timber from two Wright Road locations. He is also alleged to have kept $12,700 in proceeds from timber sales from a tract off Cherry Drive, Hallsboro after forging a deed for the timber.
Lee was released on a secured bond.
In December 2021, the N.C. Forest Service was legislatively mandated to investigate and enforce North Carolina timber theft laws.
“The more than two-year investigation into this case highlights not only the responsibility but also the commitment of the N.C. Forest Service to protect, manage and promote forest resources for the citizens of North Carolina,” the NCFS said in a press release.
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