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Rockwell teen charged with July 4 break-ins
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ROCKWELL — Rowan County sheriff's detectives have charged a Rockwell teenager with breaking into two neighbors' houses around the July 4 holiday. The detectives recovered two guitars taken in the break-ins in Charlotte, according to a Sheriff's Office press release. On Tuesday, detectives arrested John Forrest Bellinger, 18, and also executed a search warrant at Bellinger's home, 795 Sam Euart Road, Rockwell, the home of The search warrant was part of an investigation of two home break-ins on Pheasant Lane, which is in the same area as Bellinger's home. Detective Owens obtained the warrants on the break-in charges against Bellinger, and when detectives arrested him, Bellinger tried to threw away a bag of marijuana, according to the press release. During the search, detectives also "discovered several items of drug paraphernalia and 12 grams of marijuana seeds," the Sheriff's Office said. "The seeds were packaged in a plastic bag and stored inside a locked briefcase that also contained other items of drug paraphernalia." Bellinger faces two counts each of of felony breaking and entering and larceny; possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver marijuana; and misdemeanor possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia, according to Sgt. C.A. Moose of the sheriff's Criminal Investigation Division.
What do you think? Post your comment below. Comments
SalisburyPost.com is pleased to offer readers the ability to comment on stories. We expect our readers to engage in lively, yet civil discourse. : Thursday, August 14, 2008 8:53 AM 2 many conflicting opinions which is exactly what they are assumptions and opinions. none facts let the cops do there Job and Let the only one allowed to judge this boy judge him God!!! noone else has the right to judge him... Get help and change the course of your life your young enough to do it. Unfortunately for you now your neighbors want to blame you for everything that happens from this point on... whethere you did it or not. so stay on the straight and narrow and learn from your mistakes.
Report Abuseneighbor : Wednesday, August 13, 2008 11:16 PM Another slap on the hand for another 18 year old who should know better ! I hope indeed you did get closer to God , but by your comment with :HELL: in it I don't think so ! What happened to the 2 year suspended sentence from May or June , should you not be serving this right now ? Just goes to show our system stinks . No matter what you do you can get off ! So, just remember if you want to steal again , steal something from your own home and pawn it . We the people are working too hard for our things and do not need 18 year old punks breaking into our homes and taking what is not theirs!So, if you need money for a drug habit or to paint your car a different color to run from the cops , GET A JOB like everybody else ! you are old enough for that , aren't you ???? And to say marij. is not a drug , what planet are you from ? What is it Candy ? And how about the cocaine ? Is this not a drug, either? If you are such a good person help your mother and stop cursing her in your driveway ! If you were my 18 year old , first of all you would be picking you teeth up off the ground , second - you would find your own place to live and get a job! Your mom is working hard for you to have a plcae to live , FOR FREE , and you talk to her the way you do ! Just remember you will regret everything you say and do to you mother one day , and then it may be too late ! Think about it ! So , for now , just watch yourself , because if you blink wrong the neighborhood will call the cops on you ! So , the best thing you can do is go to the wilderness thing and get lost and never come back ! At least we did not have to be on our toes when you were in jail and it was really quiet ! God Bless and get a NEW LIFE !
Report AbuseA Mom too : Thursday, August 07, 2008 5:37 PM Please try to learn from this, I don't know you but I do know you can get yourself on the right track, you are young and can have a full and healthy life ahead of you, just make good choices and stay far away from people that don't.
Report AbuseRE: classmate : Thursday, August 07, 2008 3:22 PM Great, you're another "good kid" right? What sordid deeds does your parents not know of? Sounds as though you are bragging!
Report Abuseclassmate : Thursday, August 07, 2008 1:00 PM you got a lot of friends to support you forest yes u did wrong but everyone makes mistakes and NO BODY is perfect. and for the person who posted on july 25, just b/c his mom is under the same roof DOESNT mean she knows everything. i live under the same roof as my parents and theres plenty off stuff she doenst know. But all i know is john ur a great person and friend and im glad ur changing :)
Report AbuseA MOM
Torn : Thursday, August 07, 2008 9:57 AMAs a mother of two boys just getting out of their teens, I am very torn on this issue. From the time my boys turned 16 up until they got to about 20, it seemed like they went through so many stages. One minute they were confident, doing well in school, next minute they were like a different person. I was always scared they were going to do something to really mess up their lives, but with guidance and some luck, we made it through the tough years. I could not imagine going through those years without their father. There has been no mention of a father. There in lies part of the problem. Does he not have any strong male guidance in his life? Although I do not want to use this as an excuse, children need both parents and we as parents should do everything poassible to stay together for our children. Is this a first offense? That also makes a difference. I truly understand the hurt coming from the neighbors also. They have been violated. Tough issue. Sentence should be strong, but no too strong tha he can't turn his life around. Community service, additional schooling or maintaining a job should be included in whatever sentence is given.
Report AbuseJohn Bellinger Himself
It Mr. Bellinger : Thursday, August 07, 2008 2:14 AMI got 15 days and jail, and had a lot of time to think about what ive done, also i have a large sum of money i owe. not to mention a felony record. yea i screwed up. i just want to no who hasnt. none of you are perfect and neither am i. atleast i was man enough to admit it. i didnt try to hide, run, or get out of this one. im having to take responsibilitys for my actions just like i should, i didnt break into any cars nor did i break into 2 houses. ill take responsibility for one and i sure do regret it. i was also under the influence of alcohol which is no excuse, and i did have a bad influence. my mom raised me much better and i truly am a good kid. everyone makes mistakes. and now i no i need to change, im not addicted to any drugs nor do i sale drugs. and i have been robbed at gun point, and a few other times for my hard earned money so i do no what it is like. im ready to change my life and this experience has brought me closer to God. i thank all of you who prayed for me and were on my side. and to everyone in my neighborhood i am 18 years old why n the hell would i go ding dong ditching? if it happend to you about 4-5 years ago it was probably me but im not a little kid anymore. im sorry for what i have done. i really dont have much more to say.
Report AbuseJenay
: Monday, July 28, 2008 10:46 AMRun, Forest....RUN !
Report Abuse: Sunday, July 27, 2008 4:17 PM Why blame the WRONG KIDS for his actions? Drugs is no excuse!!!! I dont feel sorry for him.
Report Abusefriend
: Saturday, July 26, 2008 8:48 PMOk I've known Forest since I was in 6th grade when he first moved here. He really is a great kid but the people he choose to hangout with turned him to the wrong things. He can still turn his life around and i know he can. He just needs help right now. So all you people who say he needs to rot in jail think about what you're saying...I mean he's still a teenager. Yes he should have known better but with the wrong people and drugs in your life you make some stupid choices. So just layoff of him some and try to incourage him about doing the right thing and getting help.
Report Abuseforest` : Saturday, July 26, 2008 12:51 PM hes a good kid just makes mistakes like everyone else in the world what he did was wrong but i don't believe he did it alone peer pressure was a huge factor in his criminal acts hes a good guy & i love him dearly:]
Report Abuse: Saturday, July 26, 2008 12:11 PM who ever posted under me you must have some type of grudge against forest, hes a good kid and good kids get mixed up in the wrong crowd some times.
Report AbuseHmmmm : Friday, July 25, 2008 3:56 PM Did I raise my teenagers wrong? the right was to let them do drugs and break into people's houses and steal? you people are saying this kid is sweet and did nothing wrong...Geesh, am I living in a different world from you guys? this kid knew right from wrong! he did what he wanted too and YES, his mother knew what he was doing, She lived under same roof as him!
Report AbuseCheerleaders
dont lock him up!!! : Friday, July 25, 2008 2:44 PMWE LOVE YOU FOREST!!!YOUR A GOOD GUY! YOU JUST MADE A STUPID DECISION WHICH WAS PROBABLY PEER PRESSURE!!!
Report AbuseEast Girl.
Make something of yourself before its to late! : Friday, July 25, 2008 2:42 PMYou can really make something of yourself forest! Think about the stupid things you have done. Your a cute guy who is pretty cool, down to earth, and a lot of people from East love you to death. Stop being so dumb. Stay away from drugs. Get help. Straighten up. And make something of yourself before its to late and you rot in jail!!!!!!
Report Abuseomg : Friday, July 25, 2008 2:37 PM Boy why the heck are you ruining yourself. Your such a cutie and you could of really make something of yourself!!!!
Report Abuse: Friday, July 25, 2008 2:19 PM i dont think anyone has the right to blame his mother for this. teenagers end up misguided. Think about how heart-breaking it is for his family to go through this. The last thing they need is someone blaming them for Forrest's problems.
Report Abuse: Friday, July 25, 2008 1:28 PM Breaking into people’s home and stealing is far beyond “boyish mischief”. It is criminal behavior. Why would anyone think they have the right to tear into someone’s home and take something? In response to some of the previous post; this is a far cry from “pulling up dandelions”. And no, I have never egged anyone’s house, car, or person. And no, I have never knocked on someone’s door at 2 AM in the morning. At the age of 18 this man is considered an adult. If anyone at the age of 18 expects to be treated as an adult, they should be willing to be accountable for their actions as an adult. Good or bad, I will not label him because I do not know him. I do know good people do not break into homes and steal. Having someone break in your home and steal is more than losing personal property. The thief robs you of your security. You are personally violated, and no one should be allowed to do that. It is a virtual rape of the freedom to be secure in your own home. Sadly, he will probably get a fraction of the time he deserves. There is always the possibility he will be reformed. There is also the possibility he will return to a life of crime, and be shot, and his friends will say, “Oh, but he was such a good person.” I would hope for the former, and he will become a productive member of society. Maybe his real friends can stand by him and guide him, and not enable his destructive lifestyle, by telling him, “Oh, it’s okay, you just made a mistake.” Wonder how much they would think of him if it had been their home? Or if it had been their home someone else broke into.
Report AbuseOld Friend
Think about it. : Friday, July 25, 2008 12:55 PMI am not saying he is not capable of making adult decisions, you would be ridiculous to think that. But you know every year you live and look back you have learned so much. He is just a teenager and (hopefully if this doesn't blow out of proportion) will one day look back at these hard times in his life and will have grown from it. That is all that we ask, give him a chance to grow, it is sad to see a youth abruptly wasted because he made a few poor decisions. "Forgive those who trespass against us" right? Locking him in jail isn't worth it, honestly... I say give him one last chance!
Report Abusereally dont : Friday, July 25, 2008 12:36 PM def. dont lock him up, its stupid he can be a good guy, and hes hot so dont lock him up
Report Abusewe love forest! : Friday, July 25, 2008 11:58 AM forest is a good person inside & out. everyone does stupid things sometimes.. that doesnt make you a bad person. ive known forest for alomost all my life and through all the years ive known him ive come to realize he is a very good person; hes funny, nice & sweet. Theres way more people in this world that are doing alot of things worst than this and i think yall are taking this a little out of proportion. im not saying he doesnt deserve a punishment but this is a little too much. he doesnt need that, he needs help. Hang in there forest, we love you!
Report Abuse: Friday, July 25, 2008 11:50 AM Stealing from others and destroying their property is not "teenage mischief". He is 18 years old, not a child. He made an adult decision to break into homes and steal things from people who work hard everyday at LEGAL jobs to buy these things. Act like an adult and you shall be treated as one. Maybe he'll find a new boyfriend in jail. With that pretty, long hair, he shouldn't have a problem.
Report Abusegood luck : Friday, July 25, 2008 11:31 AM good Luck forest :D were all praying for you. and i know your a wonderful person with a huge loving heart.
Report AbuseA Friend
Back Off : Friday, July 25, 2008 11:17 AMDude Forest Is A Good Person, So Back Off.....
Report AbuseOld Friend
Stay out of trouble! : Friday, July 25, 2008 11:00 AMJohn Forrest is a well liked kid, not because of his drugs, or mischief but because he is outgoing, funny, and has a kind soul! He is a lover, not a fighter, and always has been. Everyone makes mistakes and we all know once you start heading down the wrong path it is hard to turn around. We were/are all teenagers at one point and time, and we ALL have done some things we are not proud of, admit it. I personally (being his friend) hope that he gets some sort of CONSTRUCTIVE punishment, because there is still saving him and it would be a shame to see him rot in jail, he doesn't belong there with all of the thugs and freaks, HE'S JUST A KID! I am praying that when this is all finished he learns his lesson, decides to stop doing drugs, and tries to make money in a legitimate way, I promise you HE IS NOT A LOST CAUSE. And for whoever said his mom smoked pot with him and his friends, you could never be more wrong. Forrest's mother knows he smoked weed, but NEVER supported it, she tried to make him stop many times, but there are obviously bigger issues at hand then marijuana. Lets get him some help before we lock him up and throw away the key, because even though he is misguided, he has good intentions. Lets give him a chance to learn his lesson before we throw the book at him! :|
Report AbuseBen Dover
FOREST : Friday, July 25, 2008 10:16 AMForest is a good guy just made a couple mistakes and i hope he gets sometime to learn a lesson but not the 5 years they have .
Report AbuseSave us from all the good kids! : Friday, July 25, 2008 7:29 AM For weeks all ive seen in the Post are good kids killing and stealing dont for get the drugs.Why are all the bad kids staying out of the Post?
Report AbuseMr. Real
RE: Cornelius Farms : Friday, July 25, 2008 1:42 AMI mean really??? You people that are down on this kid should be ashammed of yourself, you are freaking adults! You can't tell me you have never egged or knocked on someone's door at 2am. If you didn't, you're not a red blooded american. The stealing and drugs are one thing but bringing up egging... What a bunch of pooh bear,snot nose cry baby geeks. I am glad you guys live in "Cornelius Farms" and not on Hoorah St. Find something else to take up your time instead of peeking out of your windows trying to catch Opie pulling up your dandylions. Get a life! "We will not stand by and let situations like this continue", I bet you are a bleedng heart democrat??? What are you going to do about vandalism??? Buy a teacup Yorkie to stand guard?
Report AbuseAnother Johnson
To ANOTHER Johnson : Thursday, July 24, 2008 9:31 PMDon't welcome him to frequently into your home for he may steal your belongings and smoke pot in your bedroom! :-P
Report AbuseGood Riddance : Thursday, July 24, 2008 9:21 PM Run Forrest, Run
Report Abusegrasshopper
: Thursday, July 24, 2008 8:57 PMthat a boy forest go down with a bang...
Report AbuseDave Dave H.
: Thursday, July 24, 2008 8:51 PMforest is a nice mann and i really love him..
Report AbusePat McCrotch
Can't we all just get along : Thursday, July 24, 2008 8:48 PMNow, boys and girls: can't we be civil adults when discussing these headlines? All that is missing is my popcorn and Coke! Let's hold hands and cuddle!
Report AbuseDave H.
: Thursday, July 24, 2008 8:47 PMForest had the best parties!!!
Report AbuseHarry Cox
Boy stealing : Thursday, July 24, 2008 8:45 PMI know he is a teenager and he is young.The fact is he went out and started to steal.He should know better he is not 5 years old.How would he like it if some one stole from him. I bet he would be mad.I think and hope he learns a lesson from this.It does not need to be said what a great kid he is. If he was so great he would not have done that, or would be hanging around the wrong crowd. Maybe this will teach him and friends a lesson. I hope so for his sake.
Report Abusegrasshopper
: Thursday, July 24, 2008 8:45 PMwho is your son????
Report Abuse.,. : Thursday, July 24, 2008 8:42 PM Forest didnt do it b/c hes a gooood kid!!!!!
Report AbuseTo another Johnson : Thursday, July 24, 2008 6:34 PM Why do you care if spelling and grammer is correct!! If you dont like it then dont read it!!!
Report AbuseAnother Johnson
Make it right Forest! : Thursday, July 24, 2008 4:59 PMFirst of all, please do not put comments in writing if you don't know how to use proper grammar or spell correctly . . . it's very irritating and makes you look unintelligent. Secondly, Forest is a great kid . . . he has just taken a turn down the wrong road and with the wrong people. There is time to save this child (and that is what he is, a child). I don't care that he is 18 years old. Anyone with a teenager (girl or boy)knows that they are still kids who need GUIDANCE and SUPPORT and LOVE, and I truly believe he has very little of this in his life. Anyone with teenagers also knows that they can be easily influenced by others even when they have a "stable" homelife. It is a constant battle we wage against the evils of this world for our kids, and imagine no one to battle for your child . . . where might they end up?? My family knows him personally, and we have welcomed him into our home day and night. I am not excusing him for where he has gotten himself, but I WILL NOT condemn him either. I pray that this is the wake-up call that he needs to step beyond the inconsistencies in his life and family, and become the person I know he can be. He needs to want better than what he has experienced growing up, and he needs to know that there are people who truly care about him!! God Bless you and guide you Forest.
Report Abusegrasshopper. : Thursday, July 24, 2008 3:47 PM who is grasshopper?
Report Abuse: Thursday, July 24, 2008 3:02 PM Does anyone who this kid hangs out with? I have a feeling my son hangs out with him... He has been in my house, along with several other kids...all doing things they should not. I
Report AbuseTo Grasshopper : Thursday, July 24, 2008 2:59 PM Grasshopper you need help. I guess you will be join him in jail with in the next couple of years.For stealing and drugs.If I caught you near my child it would be a bad day!
Report Abuse: Thursday, July 24, 2008 2:56 PM Not responsible.....who are you kidding. This kid shows no respect for anyones property! They have throw eggs at cars in the neighborhood, knocked on doors at 2am and flown through the neighborhood where our children play. As soon as I found out about the homes being broken into, my first thought was the kid up the street!!
Report Abuseno boy : Thursday, July 24, 2008 2:46 PM There is no other boy mentioned Mrs. Johnson.
Report Abuse: Thursday, July 24, 2008 2:38 PM First of all, Forest is not responsible for any other house break-ins, or car break-ins because the car burglar has been arrested and it wasn't Forest. Second of all, his mother is very responsible and has not ever done any drugs and she does supervise him and anyone else that might come over. Also his brother keeps an eye on him and his friends because he cares for him very much. Third of all, haven't you read the the 3rd paragraph? They mentioned that they searched the house and found only what they mentioned and nothing of the victim or of his mother involved with any drug use or paraphernalia. I think Forest should only recieve the minimum penalty of his action because, the other 18 year old dragged him into the situation.
Report AbuseCrystal Johnson
You heard, she/he said : Thursday, July 24, 2008 2:09 PMI am sick of the he said, she said or I heard comments on here. If you don't have facts....keep your mouth shut. How dare anyone drag another kid's name into this when they know nothing about it. I am glad that Forest has been stopped and I pray he will get his life together. I do know the other boy mentioned and he is welcome in my home anytime, so let's stick with facts and leave the investigating to the police.
Report AbuseCornelius Farms
Cornelius Farms : Thursday, July 24, 2008 9:00 AMWe the neighborhood of Cornelius Farms, will NOT stand by and allow situations like this to continue. Together, WE, will create methods to deal with vandalism and theft. I have an alarm and video surveillance on my property and any attempts to deface, steal and vandalize my property will be punished to the maximum extent of the law. I urge others to install an alarm and cameras as well as lock all your doors on your house and vehicles. Make sure all your windows are locked and closed. Place alarm warning stickers on all windows and doors of your property to help deter these situations as well as a sign at the front and rear door notifying you have an alarm and video surveillance. WE CAN stop this from continuing.
Report AbuseMark Wilhem
the judge cometh..... : Thursday, July 24, 2008 1:32 AMWhat a spaz......
Report Abuse,,, : Wednesday, July 23, 2008 10:54 PM there goes the main drug supplier in rockwell...
Report Abuse,.,.,.,. : Wednesday, July 23, 2008 10:53 PM it finally cought up with you..
Report Abuse: Wednesday, July 23, 2008 10:40 PM Forest is a good soul with a little misguidence. I have faith in him and I know for a fact this has taught him a valuable lesson. I hope everything works out in his favor because I know he has potential.
Report Abusegrasshopper
..... : Wednesday, July 23, 2008 10:27 PMi'll bell you out forest...
Report AbuseForest 101 : Wednesday, July 23, 2008 9:47 PM Forest is a good kid!!!we love him!!hk loves him the most....he is not responsble for these thangs..leave him alone!!!!!!!
Report Abuseconcerned neighbor : Wednesday, July 23, 2008 9:21 PM Thank you , Lord! We have been waiting for this person to get caught for something ! We do not need this in our community ! Hopefully this will teach him a lesson and Hopefully he will NOT get just a slap on the wrist ! If the investigators will look further they will also find out that he had something to do with 2 car break-ins over the weekend ! Just remember your neighbors are arming themselves for their protection , so enter at your own risk !
Report AbuseSchool : Wednesday, July 23, 2008 7:14 PM I went to school with him. Overall I thought he was a pretty decent person except for a few minor issues. But I guess looks can be deceiving!! I'm sure he did not work alone, so keep investigating!
Report AbuseBuster
He does'nt look very happy.... : Wednesday, July 23, 2008 5:09 PMThis punk deserves some serious punishment. Too bad he probably won't get it though....
Report AbuseAmanda Roys
: Wednesday, July 23, 2008 5:02 PMFirst things first...I am also one of many happy people glad to see him get caught for one of many things he has done. He has came into my house and stole from my family. There were some shoes stolen that we know for a fact HE stole. When we questioned him about it, he denied it. About a month later I tracked down one of the pairs of shoes that he had sold to a friend and the other he finally admitted he traded for drugs. At first, I went to his mother for help in the situation, she threatened to press charges against us for trespassing and said her son didn't do it. I've heard she does drugs right along with Forest and his friends. I agree that they need to investigate her as well. I hope he gets what he deserves and that is a long time in prison...
Report AbuseThank you! : Wednesday, July 23, 2008 4:43 PM I live in the neighborhood and this child has been trouble since they moved in. I am glad to see him arrested. There has never been any type of parental supervision at all at the home and this comes as no surprise to me. I knew it was just a matter of time. Maybe now cars wont get egged and doors wont get knocked on at 2 am!
Report AbuseIt's about time!!! : Wednesday, July 23, 2008 4:25 PM I live in the same neighborhood as Forest Bellinger and am so thankful that he is gone (for now). I hope that the investigation will find that he was responsible for the other two home break -ins and the two automobile break -ins in our neighborhood. I hope the boy rots in jail. He has been nothing but trouble since day 1. Keep the investigation going because I'm sure Forest didn't work alone. Maybe mom should be questioned as well. Weren't some of the stolen items recovered from HER house??????
Report AbuseRockwell
DELIQUENT : Wednesday, July 23, 2008 4:23 PMJUVENILE DELIQUENT
Report AbuseNothing : Wednesday, July 23, 2008 3:57 PM I bet if you follow this case til the end he will not get anymore than 6 months porbation. That is why these kids are doing these crimes. And he will not serve anytime if he gets Dixion as a judge. Slap on the hand. Thats all.
Report Abuse |
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