Yearlong investigation leads to arrest in Columbus County maintenance building break-in
WHITEVILLE, NC (WWAY) — A yearlong investigation into a break-in at the Columbus County Maintenance Building has led to the arrest of a suspect accused of stealing approximately $11,500 worth of equipment.
The Whiteville Police Department said officers responded to the maintenance building on March 20, 2025, after receiving a report of a breaking and entering.
During the initial investigation, officers determined the building and several vehicles on the property had been broken into.
Police said multiple power tools and lawn care equipment were stolen. The total value of the stolen property was estimated at approximately $11,500.
The department’s Criminal/Narcotics Investigations Division took over the case and spent more than a year investigating.
According to police, investigators analyzed surveillance footage, compared vehicles, conducted interviews and carried out surveillance operations before identifying a suspect.
On Aug. 25, 2026, warrants were obtained charging Nakema Wanya Haley with:
- 20 counts of felony larceny after breaking or entering
- Five counts of felony breaking or entering a motor vehicle
- Two counts of misdemeanor injury to real property
The Whiteville Police Department said Haley was located and arrested by the Bladenboro Police Department on Aug. 31.
Police said the investigation demonstrates the department’s commitment to thoroughly investigating cases, even when they take an extended period of time to resolve.
