Timber company owner arrested on multiple charges in timber theft investigation

CLAYTON, NC (WWAY) — A Clayton man has been arrested and faces multiple felony and misdemeanor charges following a more than two-year investigation into alleged timber theft involving victims in five North Carolina counties, according to the N.C. Forest Service.

Joel Blake Lee, 55, owner and operator of Frontier Timber, Inc., was arrested Wednesday and charged with a total of 26 offenses, including felony counts of larceny of timber, larceny of property, conspiracy, exploitation of an older or disabled adult, forgery, and obtaining property by false pretenses.

Lee also faces misdemeanor charges related to wood load tickets, the N.C. Forest Service said.

The investigation involved alleged crimes against multiple victims in Chatham, Columbus, Onslow, Pender and Wayne counties. Officials said the investigation was conducted by N.C. Forest Service law enforcement officers.

In December 2021, the N.C. General Assembly expanded the N.C. Forest Service’s authority to investigate and enforce state timber theft laws. Officials said the investigation into Lee demonstrates the agency’s ongoing efforts to protect forest resources and landowners across the state.

The N.C. Forest Service is encouraging anyone who believes they may be a victim of timber theft to contact their local county ranger.