After being caught at a car dealership in Burke County this week, three people were arrested for stealing catalytic converters. Through an investigation it was determined that the three have been targeting dealerships and storage facilities throughout Burke and two other counties. All were charged with Felony Theft by Taking from a Motor Vehicle, Criminal Attempt Theft by Taking from a Motor Vehicle, and Criminal Trespass, and are currently being held in the Burke County Detention Center.
From Burke County Sheriff’s Office:
On 12/08/2021 at approximately 0106 hours, Deputies with the Burke County Sheriff’s Office and officers with the Waynesboro Police Department responded to 480 US Highway 25 North (Waynesboro Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep) in reference to an alarm activation. While enroute, Burke County 911 Dispatchers relayed information advising the security company had observed individuals on the premises via video surveillance.
Upon arrival, BCSO Deputies and WPD Officers searched the premises and located a suspect, Charles Moore III underneath a vehicle on the lot. Moore was actively in the process of cutting off a Catalytic Converter from a vehicle. BCSO Deputies and WPD Officers were able to take Moore into custody without incident. A second search of the premises was conducted. During the search, a second suspect, Christopher Rigdon was located hiding in the woods adjacent to the lot.
BCSO Investigators responded to the scene. Through their investigation, it was determined that Moore, Rigdon and a third suspect, Katelin Hill (Driver) have been targeting dealerships and storage facilities throughout Burke, Richmond and Columbia Counties. BCSO Investigators are working with Richmond and Columbia Counties on additional charges. The investigation is still in the initial phase and when more information becomes available it will be released.
All three suspects were each charged with Felony Theft by Taking from a Motor Vehicle, (2 Counts) Criminal Attempt Theft by Taking from a Motor Vehicle and Criminal Trespass. All three suspects are currently being held in the Burke County Detention Center for the aforementioned charges.
