Lenoir County, N.C. (WITN) – Two men have been arrested in connection with the theft of wheelchair ramps from Rivermont Baptist Church, located south of Kinston in Lenoir County. Darrell Smith, 40, and Michael Bridwell, 41, both of La Grange, were charged after a theft incident on December 28.
Surveillance footage released by the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office helped identify the suspects, and after a search of a home on Lang Skinner Road, deputies recovered the stolen ramps.
Smith was charged with felony obtaining property by false pretense, felony conspiracy to obtain property by false pretense, felony possession of stolen goods, and misdemeanor obstructing justice. Bridwell faces similar charges, including felony larceny, felony obtaining property by false pretense, felony possession of stolen goods, and felony conspiracy.
Smith is being held without bond, while Bridwell, who was already incarcerated on other charges, received an additional $20,000 bond.
The stolen wheelchair ramps were a crucial part of the church’s accessibility efforts, making their theft especially significant for the local community.