James Andrew Brown, 44, from Berry Road in Connelly Springs, was arrested by Burke County Sheriff’s Officers and charged with two felony counts of larceny of a motor vehicle.
On Monday, July 7, the Burke County Sheriff’s Office received reports that two semi-trucks were stolen from separate businesses in Hildebran. One of the trucks was pulling a 53-foot cargo trailer at the time. During the investigation, the stolen cargo trailer was found abandoned in an empty lot on Leger Road in Valdese. Authorities quickly identified Brown as a suspect.
Later that day, one stolen semi-truck was discovered partially hidden behind a residence on South Fork Avenue in Hickory. The following day, detectives were tipped off that the second stolen semi-truck was near NC 18 South close to DAV Avenue. Deputies responded, located the vehicle, and stopped it.
James Andrew Brown was identified as the driver and taken into custody without incident. The combined value of the stolen and recovered items is estimated at $45,000. Brown is currently held at the Burke County Jail without bond, and his District Court appearance is scheduled for Thursday, July 10.
