WARREN COUNTY, Miss. (VDN) — A multi-week investigation by the Warren County Sheriff’s Office has led to the arrest of six individuals connected to a string of thefts, burglaries, and drug offenses, Sheriff Martin Pace announced Wednesday night.
The probe began on May 14, when Joel Christopher Calvin entered the Dollar General in Bovina, stole merchandise, and exited through a restricted area. Calvin later led officers on a high-speed chase from Vicksburg into Hinds County on June 5, eventually ending in Edwards with the help of the Mississippi Highway Patrol. Though not immediately arrested, three of Calvin’s passengers—Lewis Williams (66), Roland Wilbert (35), and Kieon Jones (30)—were detained after cocaine, methamphetamine, and a firearm were found in the vehicle.
Major Breakthroughs in the Investigation
On June 16, a 2015 Dodge Ram truck and gooseneck trailer carrying lawn equipment were reported stolen from Hinds Community College. Shortly after, police stopped the truck—minus the trailer—driven by Haily Caraway. She was arrested for receiving stolen property and later charged with multiple conspiracy counts related to grand larceny and vehicle theft.
Later that day, two stolen Honda motorcycles and two additional trailers were recovered, all linked to Calvin.
On June 18, authorities arrested Calvin, charging him with:
3 counts of grand larceny
3 counts of motor vehicle theft
Burglary
Possession of cocaine and methamphetamine
Felon in possession of a firearm
Receiving stolen property
Felony eluding
Calvin, who was already on probation, is being held without bond with a hold placed by the Mississippi Department of Corrections.
Also arrested was James “Hula” Smith, charged with conspiracy to commit auto theft and grand larceny.
“We’ve recovered most of the stolen property,” said Sheriff Pace. “But we’re still searching for the gooseneck trailer. Anyone with information should contact the Warren County Sheriff’s Office or Crime Stoppers.”
Pace emphasized that all conspirators, not just those committing the thefts directly, will be held accountable.
