Four arrested in multi-county theft investigation

CHADBOURN, NC (WWAY) — Four people have been arrested in connection with an alleged theft ring spanning Columbus, Robeson and Bladen counties, according to the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office.

The investigation led to a search warrant being executed on Peacock Road in Chadbourn. Authorities said approximately $100,000 worth of stolen property was recovered during the search and returned to the victims.

Authorities identified the suspects as:

• Matthew Wayne Hurst, 33, of Tabor City, was arrested Aug. 17 and charged with conspiracy to commit felony larceny and altering serial numbers. He was given no bond.
• John Michael McDonald, 35, of Loris, was arrested July 29 and charged with multiple offenses, including failure to appear, possession of stolen goods, obtaining property by false pretense, conspiracy to commit felony larceny, felony larceny, larceny after breaking and entering, and damage to property. He was given no bond.
• Shayna Logue, 30, of Chadbourn, was arrested July 29 and charged with possession of stolen goods, felony conspiracy to commit larceny, felony larceny, larceny after breaking and entering, damage to property, obtaining property by false pretense, and breaking and entering a motor vehicle with theft. She was given a $5,000 bond.
• Joseph Reinhart, 35, of Garland, was charged with felony larceny and felony conspiracy to commit larceny. He was arrested by the Bladen County Sheriff’s Office.

The Columbus County Sheriff’s Office said the investigation remains ongoing and encouraged anyone with information about suspected criminal activity to contact the agency.