Undercover operation nails theft suspects

By Donna Swicegood | Statesville R&L

Published: September 8, 2008

Sirleslie Anthony Young, 43, of Mooresville, James Justin Owens, 27, of Troutman and Jerry Wayne Lowell Jr., 34, of Salisbury were each charged with larceny after authorities said they were nabbed in the act of stealing a utility trailer.

Detective Sgt. Errin Jenkins of the Iredell County Sheriff's Office has been working theft cases from different businesses throughout Iredell County, and on Friday, he received information concerning a suspect who was planning to steal a utility trailer from a western Iredell County business. Jenkins said this business was victimized by a larceny the previous day.

Detectives from the investigation division decided to set up a surveillance operation in an attempt to catch the suspects in the act. At approximately 5:15 p.m., Young, Owens and Lowell came to the business, and tried to take the trailer, Jenkins said. The three were arrested as they tried to leave the property.

The value of the property recovered is $2,500, and was returned to the owner.

In addition, Young was charged with motor vehicle violations and Owens with an open container violation.