Separate larcenies at Advanced Auto, Family Dollar, CVS

On Jan. 9, the Columbus Police Department arrested William Gregory Pearce, 42, of East Flat Rock arising from a larceny at Advanced Auto Parts.  Pearce was charged with felony habitual larceny, possession of stolen property and attempted larceny.  Pearce was held in the Polk County Jail in lieu of a $5,000 secured bond. Pearce was scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 23.

On Jan. 13, the Columbus Police Department arrested Tianna Marie Eplee, 25, of Fletcher and Trinity Burns McCombs, 26, of Asheville arising from a larceny at Family Dollar.  Eplee, who was on probation and had absconded, was charged with felony larceny by defeating anti-theft device, felony identity theft, felony possession of stolen property, felony conspiracy to commit larceny, resisting public officer and attempted larceny.  Additionally, Eplee was wanted out of Lincoln County and was served with outstanding failure to appear warrants, as well as a probation violation.  Eplee was held in the Polk County jail in lieu of a $73,000 secured bond.  McCombs was charged with felony larceny by defeating anti-theft device, felony possession of stolen property, felony conspiracy to commit larceny, attempted larceny and transporting an opened container of spirituous liquor. McCombs was released after posting a $22,000 secured bond.  Eplee and McCombs were also charged by the Saluda Police Department with misdemeanor larceny stemming from an incident at the Saluda Dollar General earlier in the day.  Their next court date is set for Jan. 30.

On Jan. 22, the Columbus Police Department arrested Cory Shane Lindsey, 25, of Mill Spring arising from a larceny at CVS Pharmacy. Lindsey was charged with felony larceny by defeating anti-theft device, misdemeanor larceny and injury to personal property.  Lindsey was held in the Polk County jail in lieu of an $8,000 secured bond.  Lindsey’s first court appearance was set for Jan. 24.

The Columbus Police Department has taken a “zero tolerance” approach toward shoplifting and larceny related crimes committed in our jurisdiction. These crimes are a leading contributor to the increases in costs of retail merchandise that is passed on to each and every citizen. According to the F.B.I., retail theft causes retailers to lose more than $30 billion annually.

– article submitted by the Columbus Police Department