Whiteville man charged after deputies recover $150K in stolen vehicles, boat and other property
COLUMBUS COUNTY, N.C. (WWAY) — A Whiteville man is facing multiple charges after investigators recovered approximately $150,000 worth of stolen vehicles, a boat and other property, according to the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies arrested Eric Matthew Ward, 40, on Oct. 14 following an investigation involving stolen property, altered vehicle identification numbers, larcenies and breaking and entering.
According to the sheriff’s office, detectives executed a search warrant at Ward’s residence, where they recovered several stolen vehicles and other items.
The recovered property included a GMC 2500 Denali reported stolen from Horry County, South Carolina, a Ford F-250 stolen from Columbus County, a Can-Am side-by-side reported stolen from Horry County and a G3 center-console boat reported stolen from Brunswick County.
Investigators said additional stolen property recovered during the search helped close other breaking-and-entering and larceny cases.
The sheriff’s office estimated the total value of the recovered property at approximately $150,000.
Ward faces multiple charges, including:
- Three counts of felony altering or removing a motor vehicle serial number
- Three counts of felony possession of a stolen motor vehicle
- Felony possession of a catalytic converter
- Possession of stolen goods or property
- Possession, sale or purchase of an altered serial number
- Misdemeanor fictitious title
- Felony breaking and entering
- Misdemeanor injury to real property
- Two counts of larceny of catalytic converters
- Three counts of felony larceny of motor vehicle parts
Ward received a $100,000 secured bond.
The Columbus County Sheriff’s Office said the investigation has concluded.
Ward is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
