LINCOLNTON, N.C. – A March 31, 2022 investigation into the theft of stolen property has led to the recovery of thousands of dollars’ worth of stolen equipment.

Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office Detective D. Hendrix was investigating an incident where Richard Clay Martin was found in possession of stolen equipment. During the investigation it was discovered Martin had allegedly been selling stolen equipment including skid steers, excavators, and trailers dating back to July 2021.

Detective Hendrix was able to identify numerous pieces of equipment that had been reported stolen from multiple counties in North Carolina and South Carolina and tracked down the individuals that had unknowingly purchased the stolen items. The equipment was recovered and returned to the rightful owners.

As of May 4, 2022, Richard Clay Martin, 47, of Mt. Zion Church Road, Alexis, NC is charged with five counts of felony obtaining property by false pretenses, two counts of felony possession of stolen goods or property, and one count of felony conversion. On May 5, 2022 he was charged with one additional felony possession of stolen goods or property. Martin is in the Harven A. Crouse Detention Center under a 107,000 secured bond.

To date the total dollar amount of stolen equipment recovered is estimated at $229,000. The investigation into stolen equipment is continuing. Anyone with additional information can contact Detective D. Hendrix at 828-455-6762. You can also contact the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office at 704-732-9050, the Lincoln County Communications Center at 704-735-8202 or Lincolnton/Lincoln County CrimeStoppers at 704-736-8909