DA: Property Team Convicts 48 Defendants, Sends Two Sex Offenders to Prison

CHARLOTTE, N.C. –   Forty-eight defendants pled guilty to property crimes in Mecklenburg County
Superior Court from Monday, September 17 through Friday, September 21, 2012.  The defendants entered their pleas in courtroom 5350 before The Honorable James W. Morgan, Superior Court Judge.  The convictions were for crimes that included  failing to register as a sex offender, second degree burglary, felony breaking or entering, felony larceny, larceny of a firearm, breaking or entering a motor vehicle, obtaining property by false pretense, embezzlement and financial transaction card theft.

Among those convicted were the following:

Roderick Antoine Alexander, 45, pled guilty to failing to register as a sex offender.  Judge Morgan sentenced Alexander to 26-41 months in prison.  He was previously convicted of second degree rape in 1993, and of failing to register as a sex offender in 2010.
Preston Applewhite, 29, pled guilty to failing to register as a sex offender.  Judge Morgan sentenced Alexander to 20-33 months in prison.  He was previously convicted of attempted second degree rape in 2001.
Jaquell Villegas, 17, pled guilty to second degree burglary, felony larceny of a motor vehicle, breaking or entering a motor vehicle, and misdemeanor larceny.  Judge Morgan sentenced Vellegas to 10-21 months in prison.

Jaquell Villegas

Preston Applewhite

Roderick Antoine Alexander

Iredell Sheriffs Charge 2 Men With 25 Local Burglaries

Stephen Buchanan

Iredell County Sheriffs charged two men in connection with a large string of robberies throughout the southern part of the county.

Thirty-seven year-old Matthew Little and 27 year-old Stephen Buchanan have been linked to 25 thefts in the areas of Mooresville and Troutman.

Little was arrested on August 16 after acting as an accomplice to Buchanan in a larceny and breaking and entering in Troutman. Buchanan was shot during the burglary and was still at the scene when police arrived. He was taken by air to Carolinas Medical Center where he received treatment before his subsequent release and arrest.

Matthew Little

Catching Buchanan in the act of burglary was a pivotal development in the case to find the men responsible for the thefts. Little had left Buchanan at the scene but was later caught nearby by deputies. After obtaining a search warrant, Sheriffs found stolen property in the car the men were operating. The stolen property tied the two men to the slew of other robberies.

Both men are being jailed in Iredell County while they await trial. Buchanan is being held under a $605,000 secured bond, while Little is being held under a $300,000 secured bond.

Couple Arrested for Burglarizing Home While Family Buried Infant Son

Jessica Williams

Police in Rowan County have arrested the neighbors of the Munn family for breaking into the family's home while they were attending their one year-old son's funeral on September 11. When they returned home, Parker's parents found that over $4,000 worth of property had been stolen.

Jessica Williams and Bobby Milam were arrested Thursday after police received a tip that the two had sold jewelry to a dealer in the area. That jewelry turned out to belong to Parker's mother. When investigators searched the neighbors' home, they found property belonging to the victims as well as the burnt remains of Parker's birth certificate book.

Bobby Milam

Williams and Milam were charged with larceny, breaking and entering, and obtaining property by false pretenses. They may also face charges of burning personal property.

Dog Walking Burglar Now Faces Animal Cruelty Charges

Charges are racking up for 21 year-old Jordan Frye. Frye is the owner of the dog walking service Queen City Dog Service. He was arrested Tuesday on burglary charges for stealing expensive items from his clients' homes while they were away. Because he had earned the trust of his clients, Frye had keys and alarm codes to enter their homes. He admitted to authorities that he had taken 83 items, including jewelry and electronics, from his clients' homes from May to September.

Frye is now being charged with animal cruelty after a search of his home produced a mistreated puppy that quickly died thereafter. According to investigators, 8 month-old Cupcake was found with urine and feces all over her. Frye had been watching the dog over a period of two weeks. Cupcake's owner, who had used Queen City Dog Service for a period of months, was shocked to find out how her dog had been treated.

Frye's charges now include cruelty to animals and several counts of felony larceny and felony possession of stolen goods.

Monroe Jewelry Thief Identified by Facebook Followers

The owner of a Monroe jewelry store used Facebook as a means to identify a thief who stole hundreds of dollars worth of merchandise from the store on Wednesday.

When Renn Farmer, the owner of The Renn's Nest in Monroe, realized that the jewelry had been stolen, she reviewed the footage from her in-store cameras. An older woman was recorded on surveillance footage stealing watches, rings, and bracelets and stashing them in her purse. Within the an hour and a half, the woman had stolen about $500 worth of jewelry.

Because Farmer did not know the thief, she decided to ask for help from her store's Facebook followers, which total over 3,700 people. Farmer posted a picture of the woman on the store's Facebook page. Within a matter of minutes, she was receiving phone calls that identified the woman as 69 year-old Josephine Murdock.

That's where the story takes an unexpected turn. Farmer called Josephine Murdock and informed her that she was recorded on video stealing the merchandise. Murdock then came back to The Renn's Nest and gave Farmer $500 in cash for the stolen goods. Feeling sympathy for Murdock, Farmer banned her from the store but said she would not press charges against her.

As a reward for helping, The Renn's Nest will offer it's Facebook followers a free necklace bead.  

CMPD Arrests Auto Burglar

Terrence Denzel Robinson

The man police say is responsible for a string of auto break-ins and thefts is now behind bars in Mecklenburg County.

Twenty year-old Terrence Denzel Robinson was arrested Saturday by Charlotte-Mecklenburg police. Robinson is charged with multiple counts of misdemeanor larceny and breaking and entering of a motor vehicle.

Robinson's arrest comes after DNA evidence linked him to larceny cases which occurred in May. Police are still investigating if Robinson may be responsible for more crimes and have asked anyone with helpful information to call Crime Stoppers at (704) 334-1600.

Lancaster County Man Arrested for Stealing Car Batteries

Jeffrey Bernard McKnight

Forty-six year-old Jeffrey Bernard McKnight was arrested last week by Lancaster County sheriffs for allegedly stealing car batteries.

McKnight is accused of breaking into a storage cage at the Charlotte Highway Wal-Mart in Indian Land on three occasions. The last theft was in August, where McKnight stole around 150 car batteries with a value of close to $1350. Authorities say McKnight stole 34 batteries during the other two thefts.

McKnight is jailed in Lancaster County on a $60,000 surety bond. He is facing a host of burglary charges.

The Lancaster County Sheriff's Office says it has arrested a man suspected of stealing batteries from Wal-Mart.

Jeffrey Bernard McKnight, 46, was arrested in Charlotte the first week of September. He was moved to Lancaster County Detention Wednesday. He is being held on $60,000 surety bond and faces several charges of burglary.

CMPD Arrests Suspect in Monday Night Armed Robbery

Chris Agbandrin

Charlotte-Mecklenburg police arrested 21 year-old Chris Agbandrin on charges he obtained while kidnapping a Charlotte couple and forcing them to withdraw money on Monday night.

According to reports, Agbandrin held a gun to the couple and made them drive to a north Charlotte gas station and a bank. At both locations they withdraw cash from an ATM. Agbandin took the money, but did not harm either victim.

Agbandin is jailed in Mecklenburg County and charged with kidnapping, armed robbery, and larceny.

Rowan Sheriffs Arrest Felon for Firearm Theft

Richard Lee Wright III

Eighteen year-old Richard Lee Wright III has been charged with felony breaking and entering, felony possession of a firearm by a felon, and three counts of felony larceny of a firearm. The charges stem from the theft of guns and ammunition in Rowan County, which Wright is accused of committing.

Rowan County Sheriff's received a report of a break-in burglary involving stolen four firearms, ammunition, and a crossbow at a home on the 500 block of Barber Junction Road, which is in northwest Rowan County. The call came at about 11:00 Tuesday morning.

Wright was arrested a short time later while walking down on Old US Highway 70, less than one mile from the scene of the theft. When police found him he was carrying one of the stolen shotguns in a large bag. A search of Wright's home produced the stolen ammunition and two of the other stolen guns. He is currently jailed in Rowan County under a $50,000 bond.

Hickory Church Reports Break-in, Arson

Hickory police officers are investigating a larceny and arson case after items were stolen from the Sweetwater Presbyterian Church in Hickory on Tuesday night or early Wednesday morning.

The church's pastor called police Wednesday morning after she arrived at 9:00 and found the church had been broken into and a fire set in the vestibule.

Though the fire went out before causing substantial damage, burglars stole assorted audio/video equipment. Investigators from the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office and the State Bureau of Investigation are investigating the case together with the Catawba County Fire Marshal's Office.

Authorities discovered a tire tool on one of the church's desks, and assume it was used to gain access to the building. The suspect had entered the building through a side door.

Anyone with information on this case can contact the Hickory Police Department by calling (828) 328-5551.

Pair of Charlotte Teens Arrested for Local Crime Spree

CMPD officers arrested 18 year-old Nicholas James Rosthal and 17 year-old Matthew Forrest Davis, 17 on Saturday. They two are being charged with a host of larceny-related crimes after authorities determined that the pair are responsible for an area crime wave spanning two days.

The pair were arrested after stealing a controller for a video came system and a biscuit from the Target store located in the Blakeney shopping center. Rosthal and Davis were walking away from the shopping center when police officers responding to the report found them.

Upon investigating, authorities were able to determine that the pair were involved in a string of local crimes including thefts and break-ins. Police say those crimes took place in neighborhoods on Ardrey Kell Road, including Landing Green and Hunters Gate.

In total, the two teens face 18 charges, ranging from multiple larceny charges and breaking and entering vehicles to resisting arrest. Rosthal and Davis will face further charges, which are pending, for four other cases involving breaking into cars in that region.

Matthew Forrest Davis

Nicholas James Rosenthal

Hunters Gate and the Landing Green neighborhoods off Ardrey Kell Road.

Two Charlotte teens are facing several larceny and break-in charges after investigators connected them to a two-day crime spree.

On Saturday morning, Charlotte-Mecklenburg police were called to a reported disturbance at the Blakeney shopping center, near the intersection of Rea and Ardrey Kell roads in southern Mecklenburg County.

Officers said they detained two people leaving the area on foot and discovered that the pair, identified as Nicholas James Rosthal, 18, and Matthew Forrest Davis, 17, had just committed a larceny at the Target store in the shopping center.

According to a police report, a breakfast biscuit and a video game system controller were reported stolen from the store.

Police soon connected Rosthal and Davis to other larcenies that happened during a two-day span in the Hunters Gate and the Landing Green neighborhoods off Ardrey Kell Road. Police said those crimes included home break-ins and larcenies from vehicles.

21 Year-Old Arrested for Throwing Objects Onto I-85 From Bridges

Matthew Damion Parham, 21, was arrested Wednesday for throwing objects from several overpasses onto I-85 in Rowan County.

Rowan County Sheriffs arrested Parham at his Chine Grove home on Old Linn Road and charged him with two counts of assault with a deadly weapon. Parham had allegedly thrown objects from Daugherty, Lentz, and Pine Ridge Roads, all in Rowan County.

As officers were making the arrest, they noticed a stolen riding lawn mower on Parham's property. He was charged with larceny for the stolen mower. Parham was also charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

Parham's actions left motorists injured and vehicles damaged. He is currently jailed in Rowan County under a $10,000 bond.

As the investigation of this matter continues, police have asked anyone with information about the incidents to contact Detective Misenheimer by calling (704) 216-8704 or Lieutenant Moose at (704) 216-8687.

Charlotte Shoplifting on the Rise this Summer

Statistics show that shoplifting in Charlotte has risen by about 20% this summer. Certain areas of Charlotte have seen shoplifting increase by as much as four times, with the Steele Creek area reporting 48 cases since July 1st. Each month, shoplifting costs Charlotte businesses tens of thousands of dollars. To combat the problem, different divisions of law enforcement are working together.

Police in South Charlotte are now making visits to retail stores in the area. They look over surveillance footage and mug shots with the store's managers. They can also warn managers of suspects that have stolen from other stores in the area.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg police made 450 shoplifting-related arrests in 2011 and anticipate to make even more this year. They say that the majority of shoplifting is done by an organized crime ring, which has led to the  development of a new unit targeted at repeat offenders. CMPD says that they are making more arrests than they have ever made in the past.

Iredell County Sheriff Busts 5-Man Burglary Ring

Five people have been arrested in connection with a major burglary ring, according to Iredell County authorities, who worked with law enforcement from at least 7 other North Carolina counties to apprehend the suspects.

The group is suspected to have been behind over 40 burglaries in North Carolina, including 8 counties spanning, from McDowell to Union.  Though the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office claims the ring involved 6 people, only the arrests of 5 suspects have been made public.

Keenan Wade Hildebrand was arrested in Statesville on July 3rd.  About two weeks later on the 19th, Christian Dean Ser Catarino and Jessica Brady were arrested in a hotel in Charlotte.  Finally, on July 24th, John Willard Blackwelder and Trisha Marie Nelson were apprehended at the Conover Wal-Mart in Catawba County.

The arrests stem from an Iredell / Rowan County Sheriff’s investigation in which stolen goods were recovered in Statesville at both the Quality Inn and the Advantage Mini Storage on July 3rd. This led to the arrest of Hildebrand, who is currently in an Iredell County jail.  According to investigators, they recovered stolen goods valued at over $20,000, including firearms and jewelry.

The success of the July 3rd search led investigators to the remaining suspects.  After a disturbance at a Charlotte hotel, Catarino and Brady were arrested, with Catarino being charged with possession of a firearm by a felon.  Following their apprehension, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police notified Iredell County officials of the arrests, where Brady was taken to Iredell County jail as Catarino remains incarcerated in Charlotte.

Blackwelder and Nelson were found days later at the Conover Wal-Mart, with assistance from the NC Highway Patrol and Conover Police.  The couple, now jailed in Catawba County, was driving a stolen car.  Inside the car were stolen goods including firearms and items connected to a Mooresville burglary.

Iredell County authorities have asked that anyone who might have been a victim of these burglaries and who may be able to identify stolen items to contact the agency where they filed a burglary report.

Mint Hill PD Seeking Larceny Suspects

On Friday June 17, 2011 at 9:44 AM, Mint Hill Police Officers responded to the Walgreen's located at 9209 Lawyers Road for a report of a Larceny of the business. The two suspects in the incident were described as (1) Black male approximately 5-09”, 250 lbs. short hair style, wearing a red in color short sleeve shirt with button up front and a white in color t-shirt underneath, tan in color long style shorts and white in color tennis shoes.

Suspect (2) was described as a Black female approximately 5-06” – 5-08”, approximately 180-200 lbs, with a short style multi-colored hair style, containing blond and light brown in color streaks or highlights, wearing a purple and white in color striped dress. The two above listed suspects entered the business, whereupon the male suspect proceeded behind the counter and stole tobacco products totaling $500.00. Both suspects fled the store on foot and fled the parking lot area in a red in color unknown make, 4-door vehicle with a chrome style running board.

Any person having information regarding the incident may contact Detective Mickovic with the Mint Hill Police Department Criminal Investigation Division anonymously at (704) 545-1085.

Man Arrested for Stealing Games from Young Cancer Patients at CMC

Charles Hinton

UPDATE:  Charles Hinton, 47, was tried by the DA’s Habitual Felon Team for 1) felony breaking or entering, 2) felony larceny, 3) misdemeanor injury to personal property, 4) the felony of being a sex offender unlawfully on premises intended primarily for the use, care, or supervision of minors and 5) being a habitual felon.

The jury found Hinton guilty of all three felonies and guilty of being a habitual felon; further, the jury found the existence of aggravating factors alleged by the State.

Today, the Honorable Forrest D. Bridges, Superior Court Judge, sentenced Hinton to 254-324 months (approximately 21-27 years) in prison.

Some, but not all, of Hinton’s prior convictions included rape and burglary in the state of New York and breaking or entering a motor vehicle, larceny, and indecent liberties with a child in the state of North Carolina.
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On December 8th at 4:23 p.m., Charles Hinton walked into Carolinas Medical Center and stole several gaming systems that were used by young patients receiving cancer treatment. Thankfully, no patients were in the treatment center when this incident occurred.

Warrants were obtained for Hinton on charges of forced burglary, larceny after burglary and damage to property. He was arrested on December 17, 2010. Hinton is a known repeat offender and his bail is set at $26,000.

Ballantyne Area: Larceny From Auto Trend

As of Wednesday evening of last week, the Ballantyne area has been targeted by a group of suspects who are breaking into cars and stealing valuables.

The group targets grocery stores and restaurants along the Johnston Road corridor between the hours of 8:00 P.M. and midnight.

Please be on the look out for the car and suspects that you can view in the photos shown below. The photos are from a convenience store on the West side of town where one victim’s stolen credit card was used.

The suspects may also be driving a older white mini-van with a blue stripe. Please call 911 if you see these individuals or the car in the Johnston Road area.

Please remove all valuables form your car if you are going to the grocery store or eating out in the Johnston Road corridor.

Police Alert: Larceny From Autos

Over the past two weeks, the CMPD Metro Division has experienced a rash of larceny from autos in church parking lots within the division.

Police say the thieves are targeting vehicles that are parked in lots overnight and during church services. Police ask that you please be mindful and secure anything of value out of plain sight of potential thieves.

If you notice anyone who is suspicious please call 911. If you have any information identifying the individual(s) who are responsible, please call Crime Stoppers at (704) 334-1600.

Matthews Police Seeking Larceny Suspects

The Matthews Police Department is asking for help in identifying the man and woman shown in the photo above. On January 31st, the suspects were involved in a larceny from Michael's Arts & Crafts, located on Northeast Parkway in Matthews.

If you recognize the suspects or the vehicle depicted in the photos, please contact Crime Stoppers at 704 334-1600.

83-Year Old Beaten & Robbed

How low will criminals go?? Shortly before 3:00 pm, an 83-year old woman was attacked and robbed in her home located on Cowles Road, which is off of Remount Rd.

Police say the woman was at her residence when she was approached by a heavy set black female asking for something to drink. The victim went into her house to get the woman a drink and the suspect followed her inside. The suspect beat the elderly woman with her walking cane and stole items from the home.

The suspect left the scene in a gray vehicle driven by another black woman. The 83-year old woman was transported to the hospital and treated for her injuries. The suspect is described as a black female in her mid-30’s with a ponytail. She was wearing a blue shirt and red Capri pants.

Please help police find the woman (animal) responsible for beating this helpless old woman. If you have any information, please call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.