Man arrested in connection with firearm theft
By Jack Stephens
Published in News on August 18, 2005 1:50 PM
A 24-year-old man from Jacksonville has been arrested in connection with the theft of firearms from a home in Walnut Creek.
Erik Rubio Fuentes was charged with possession of two firearms that were stolen during a break-in July 22 at a home in the 900 block of Mill Road. He was placed in the Sampson County Jail in Clinton in lieu of a $30,000 secured bond.
A 900-pound safe and about $320,000 worth of property -- including electronic equipment, jewelry, a computer, a 34-television, a DVD player, clothing and cash -- were stolen during the break-in at the home of Dr. Kevin Kerlan.
Fuentes was arrested by Sampson County authorities after a residential burglary Monday.
Two Hispanic men were seen leaving a Sampson County home after a break-in in a black Toyota Tacoma pickup truck.
Walnut Creek Police Chief Delisa C. Staps said more arrests and charges are possible.
Since the break-in and theft in Walnut Creek, federal Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms officers have been investigating the case with Walnut Creek police. Chief Staps said federal firearms charges are pending against Fuentes, and federal Immigration and Customs officials also are investigating Fuentes' residency status.
Anyone with information about either crime should call Goldsboro-Wayne County Crime Stoppers at 735-2255 or Walnut Creek police at 778-9991.