Smithfield Man Charged In Lumber Theft From Construction Site

SMITHFIELD, N.C. — A Smithfield man has been arrested in connection with the alleged theft of building materials from a home under construction.

Christopher Lawrence Leviner, 42, of the 5600 block of Black Creek Road, was arrested March 9 around 8:26 p.m. on South Brightleaf Boulevard and charged with felony larceny and felony possession of stolen property.

Police said Leviner is accused of stealing approximately $5,000 worth of lumber from a new home construction site on New Twin Branch Court.

Investigators allege Leviner made at least three separate trips to the property, removing materials each time. Officers later located the stolen lumber at Leviner’s residence.

Leviner was placed in the Johnston County Detention Center under a $20,000 secured bond.

Court records show Leviner has faced previous charges. On Oct. 21, 2024, he was charged with felony common law robbery after allegedly stealing $60 from a Subway restaurant on South Brightleaf Boulevard. On Dec. 5, 2024, he pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of larceny from the person. As part of that case, he was ordered to pay restitution and prohibited from returning to any Subway location.