WILSON, N.C. — Thomas James Evelyn Jr., 36, of Wilson and formerly of Beulaville in Duplin County, was charged this week with felony larceny after allegedly stealing a $65,000 catering trailer from Marty’s BBQ on Ward Boulevard.
Wilson Police responded at 7:33 a.m. Tuesday to a report that the trailer was missing from the restaurant’s parking lot at 2643 Ward Blvd. Surveillance footage showed two suspects in a white Ford pickup truck hitching the trailer and leaving the scene.
Later that day, officers located the suspect vehicle and identified Evelyn as one of the individuals involved. Evelyn was arrested, charged, and held in the Wilson County Detention Center. His bond was initially denied but later set at $15,000 during his first court appearance. He posted bond and was released on Wednesday.
The stolen trailer was found around 5:15 p.m. Tuesday in Greene County, stripped of its fryers, warmers, refrigerators, and business logos. Marty’s BBQ owner Wanda Ellis said the trailer was crucial for catering events, festivals, and on-site cooking.
Wilson Police collected fingerprints from inside and outside the trailer as the investigation continues.
Evelyn has an extensive criminal history, including multiple felony larceny and breaking and entering convictions in Wilson and Pitt counties. He has served nearly 16 years in state prison, according to the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction.
