Florence County deputies continue investigating theft ring

By: Patricia Burkett | SCNow
Published: August 19, 2008

Florence County deputies continue to crack down on a golf cart theft ring, that they say is responsible for stealing about $70,000 worth of merchandise.
Saturday, Christopher Hardin turned himself into authorities in connection with the case.
Hardin faces grand larceny and conspiracy charges.
But investigators say Hardin did not work alone, and authorities are still working to take down everyone involved in the crimes.
Investigators describe the theft ring as a pretty organized operation that spanned several counties and ended with the theft of 12 high-end golf carts and nearly a half dozen utility trailers.
"Three counties, two states...that does get pretty large," said Florence County Sheriff's Lieutenant Brett Camp.
Authorities believe two men stole the golf carts and trailers from Florence, Darlington and even Richland counties and then sold them to a dealer in the Polk County, North Carolina area.
Investigators say in some cases, the men drove nearly four hours from home to sell the goods.
Through multi-state police work, investigators were able to round up all of the goods and pinpoint the suspects.
Thanks to the investigators' work, many of the rightful golf cart and trailer owners, were able to recover their goods.
"Several of them had said that they were hoping and praying that they'd get their golf cart back...several thought they'd never see their golf cart again," said Camp.
Investigators say good-old fashioned police work and agencies working together, helped them solve the crimes and quickly recover the goods.
Authorities also say everyone who played a role in the thefts will spend time behind bars.
Investigators are working to formally charge the person they say is the "ring leader" in the case.
Count on News13 to bring you an update as soon as it becomes available.