SELMA – A Smithfield man is facing felony charges following a weekend break-in. Jacob Lee Heath, age 37, of the 600 block of Preston Road, is charged with felony breaking and entering, felony larceny, and misdemeanor trespassing, according to the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office.
Around 1:37pm Sunday, a 63 year-old Smithfield man reportedly found two people on land that he owns on Allied Mills Road near Selma. One person left on foot before deputies got there, however officers said Heath was still at the scene when they arrived.
The property owner claimed a few days earlier unknown persons had stolen scrap metal from the site. On Sunday, the victim claimed someone had entered an enclosed trailer and removed two metal sprayers valued at $100.
Heath reportedly told officers he was only there to search for his dog that had ran away. Heath was arrested at the scene, and a friend arrived to take possession of his dog before he was transported to jail.
Deputies towed two vehicles, a Chevy Tahoe and Toyota Scion, from the location that did not belong to the property owner. The two metal sprayers were recovered and returned to the victim.
Heath was held on a $50,000 secured bond. Authorities are working to identify the second person. Officers have not said if Heath or the second person may have any connection to prior scrap metal theft.
Looking for his dog. Ha Ha Ha Ha, my ribs are hurting……