Evergreen man arrested on timber theft charges in Columbus County

COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — An Evergreen man has been arrested and charged in connection with a timber theft investigation, according to the North Carolina Forest Service.

Authorities say 42-year-old Lennon Colt Hinson was taken into custody on Friday, April 10, and charged with one felony count of larceny of timber and five misdemeanor counts related to wood load tickets. Officials allege Hinson, owner of Evergreen Logging, was involved in the unauthorized removal of timber from private property in Columbus County.

The arrest followed an investigation launched after a landowner filed a complaint on April 2. The Columbus County Sheriff’s Office assisted in the case.

Officials also confirmed that Hinson faces additional pending timber larceny charges in Robeson County.

The North Carolina Forest Service was given authority in 2021 to investigate and enforce timber theft laws statewide. The agency encourages anyone who believes they may be a victim of timber theft to contact their local county ranger.