ROCKINGHAM — A second suspect has been charged in connection to a coordinated theft operation at a Walmart in Richmond County.
Carl Franklin Meece III, 47, is accused of stealing two Greenworks electric pressure washers and a Greenworks brushless chainsaw on June 29, exiting through an emergency door. According to arrest warrants, Meece conspired with Jody Singletary, 45, who allegedly stole a Troy-Bilt pressure washer from the same store the next day, along with a third unidentified suspect.
Meece’s charges include:
Conspiracy to commit felony larceny
Larceny from a merchant using an emergency exit
Possession of stolen goods or property
Police also linked Meece to an earlier offense on June 23, where he allegedly pawned a stolen studio mixer for $160. For that, he was charged on July 1 with obtaining property by false pretenses.
His legal troubles deepened on July 4, when he was reportedly found in possession of fentanyl and methamphetamine, resulting in two drug possession charges. He remains in Richmond County Jail on a $20,000 secured bond, with a court appearance set for July 17.
Meece also faces several pending traffic violations, including driving with a revoked license and failure to secure load.
According to the N.C. Department of Adult Correction, Meece’s parole ended in December 2024. His criminal record spans over two decades and includes:
1999 – Misdemeanor breaking and entering, felony larceny
2004 – Robbery with a dangerous weapon (served over 6 years)
2012 – Assault with a deadly weapon, felony breaking and entering
2018 – Convicted habitual felon, drug charges (served 15+ months)
Authorities continue investigating the third suspect in this case. As always, all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
