Six charged in pine straw thefts in Chesterfield County

CHESTERFIELD - South Carolina Forestry Commission law enforcement personnel have charged six men for theft of forest products from Sand Hills State Forest near Patrick in Chesterfield County.
According to a news release, the months-long investigation is thought to be the largest of its kind in that state forest’s history.

According to the release, in January, Sand Hills State Forest employees began noticing that harvested pine straw was being stolen on a routine basis. Subsequent surveillance, police tips and questioning revealed a complex theft ring. Videotaped interviews and confessions led SCFC investigators one by one to each new suspect. 

According to the release, the following people were charged in connection with the investigation:

James Evans: WMA Abuse, Theft of Forest Prod., Petit Larceny, Conspiracy
Plead guilty, 18 mos. in prison.

Johnny Duncan: WMA Abuse, Theft of Forest Prod., Conspiracy, Driving Under Suspension, Malicious Injury to Property
Total Fine = $4,160.00

Eric Burns: WMA Abuse, Theft of Forest Prod.
Total Fine = Court Pending (Asking $6,111 or time)

Jeff Jackson: WMA Abuse, Theft of Forest Prod.
Total Fine = $2,175.00

DeQuan Spivey: WMA Abuse, Theft of Forest Prod.
Total Fine = $980.00

Toby Keith: Conspiracy to steal pine straw
Total Fine = Court Pending (Asking $12,000 or time)

Punishment for the crimes could include jail time and/or a total of up to $25,000, the release said. 

Cheraw Police and the Chesterfield Co. Sheriff’s Office assisted the Forestry Commission in the investigation.