Three Nabbed On Charges Of Stealing, Selling Metal

JONESVILLE, N.C. - WXII12.com

Jonesville police Friday afternoon arrested three local men who they say have been stealing large amounts of metal from local utility companies and selling it at area scrap yards for what they estimate to be thousands of dollars.

Each of the three was charged with 12 felonies and one misdemeanor on warrants served by Jonesville Police Chief R.L. Reece and Sgt. Scott Vestal.

Charged are Randall Darron Pruitt, 18, 105 Vaneer St., Elkin; Daniel Hayes Billings, 18, 508 Happy Corner Rd., Traphill; and Casey Wade Schumate, 18, 1951 Walt Brewer Rd., North Wilkesboro.

The three are accused of stealing metal from Duke Energy Co. and Embarq on several occasions during the Oct. 1-18 period. Reece said that in one incident they apparently used one of Duke Energy’s forklifts to place a 1,000-pound roll of metal onto the truck they were using.

“We were able to catch them by getting evidence from the scene and because they tried to sell some of the metal at a scrap yard in Statesville,” said Reece.

He said it also helped that they were stopped at a traffic stop on one of the nights that a theft had taken place.

“That put them in the area of the crime on that night,” said Reece.

Reece said they were also caught because of greed.

“The first time they stole metal, they took several small rolls,” said Reece. “then they went back for more.”

They are accused of stealing 13 rolls of metal wire from Embarq and at least 1,000 pounds from Duke Energy.

The three are charged with four counts of breaking and entering, three counts of felony larceny, one count of attempted felony larceny, four counts of conspiracy to commit felony larceny, and one count of injury to real property, a misdemeanor.

Reece said sales of metals has increased with a weak economy and high unemployment, but emphasized that the police would be quick to enforce the law when people steal property to make some “easy money.” He said the trio collected $2,300 in one night at a metal sale.

“We will not tolerate this,” he emphasized, and complimented Vestal and the police who are on duty at night.

“These night guys are really doing their jobs,” said Reece. “It’s not every day that we serve 45 warrants in Jonesville.”

Pruitt remains in jail with secured bond sent at $25,000, while Schumate and Billings were released under $25,000 unsecured bond.

This article appeared in The Elkin Tribune.

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