Habitual felons sentenced in Columbus County

COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — Two habitual felons in Columbus County are going to prison for several years.

Today,  32-year-old Paul McCollum pleaded guilty to breaking and entering and larceny. Last year, a witness says they saw McCollum and two others removing tobacco racks from a barn and loading them onto a truck.  The witness gave investigators the tag number, which they traced to McCollum.   McCollum’s previous criminal history includes felony convictions for possession with intent to sell/deliver cocaine, breaking and entering, and possession of a stolen motor vehicle.

Because of those prior convictions,  a judge sentenced McCollum to up to 17 years behind bars.

Also in court, 41-year-old Travis Barnes pleaded guilty to felonious breaking and entering and possession of a firearm by a felon.

Last year, Barnes broke into a home in Whiteville, but a resident pulled out a gun and Barnes took off.  Columbus County deputies spotted Barnes in his truck nearby.  They also found a rifle in the truck.

Barnes has previous felony larceny convictions.  A judge sentenced him to up to 16 and a half years in prison.