WOODLEAF — Authorities say a family of four and a friend were arrested Monday on various charges that came from the discovery of an indoor marijuana operation as investigators were searching the home for evidence of numerous larcenies.
The Rowan County Sheriff’s Office criminal investigations division has been investigating several outbuilding break-ins and larcenies in the western part of the county. During the investigation, detectives discovered the crimes were related and were able to find that two brothers were part of the group likely responsible for many of the crimes, authorities said.
On Monday, detectives searched the home of Coty and Aaron Smith, 165 Sassafras Lane, Woodleaf, and found evidence linking the brothers to several outbuilding break-ins and larcenies, including a recently stolen Honda motorcycle from the landfill in Woodleaf, authorities said.
Also during the search, detectives reportedly found a marijuana operation with lights, a watering system and 18 plants in various stages of growth. A second and smaller operation was found in one of the bedrooms, but wasn’t functioning.
Authorities said the evidence found indicated the marijuana operation had been going on for some time.
The following people have been charged:
• David Curtis Gentle, 23, of 2615 Potneck Road, Woodleaf; felony breaking and entering and larceny, misdemeanor larceny and possession of stolen goods. Gentle was given a $5,000 secured bond.
• Aaron Levi Smith, 17, of 165 Sassafras Lane, Woodleaf; two counts of felony breaking and entering and larceny, misdemeanor larceny, possession of stolen property, felony possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver marijuana and felony manufacturing a controlled substance. He was given a $5,000 bond.
• Coty Dale Smith, 18, of 165 Sassafras Lane, Woodleaf; two counts of felony breaking, entering and larceny, misdemeanor larceny, possession of stolen property, felony possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver marijuana and felony manufacturing a controlled substance. He was given a $5,000 bond.
• Scott Allen Smith, 41, of 165 Sassafras Lane, Woodleaf; felony possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver marijuana and felony manufacturing a controlled substance. He was given a $1,500 secured bond.
• Dawn Rayna Smith, 42, of 165 Sassafras Lane, Woodleaf; felony possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver marijuana and felony manufacturing a controlled substance. She was given a $1,500 secured bond.
Authorities say more arrests are anticipated, and that during many of the break-ins the suspects were driving a 1980s model Ford truck.
Anyone with information on the cases or related cases should contact Detective Sam Henline, 704-216-8740, Lt. Chad Moose, 704-216-8687, or Crimestoppers, 1-866-639-5245.