CONSTRUCTION THEFTS

Aug 31, 2007

THREE KINGSPORT MEN ACCUSED OF STEALING LARGE AMOUNTS OF CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT FROM NUMEROUS SITES IN THE TRI-CITIES AND SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA ARE BEHIND BARS. CHARLES MARTIN AND DRANDON DARNELL ARE CHARGED WITH AUTO BURGLARY AND THEFT OVER 10-THOUSAND DOLLARS. JASON ROBINETTE IS CHARGED WITH AUTO BURGLARY AND THEFT OF PROPERTY OVER ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS. A TIP ON STOLEN TOOLS LED AUTHORITIES TO A HOME IN NORTH KINGSPORT WHERE MORE THAN 10-THOUSAND DOLLARS WORTH OF STOLEN EQUIPMENT WAS LOCATED. SOME OF THE EQUIPMENT WAS FOUND TO BE FROM CONSTRUCTION SITES IN OTHER JURISDICTIONS. ADDITIONAL CHARGES ARE PENDING. THEY WILL BE ARRAIGNED IN GENERAL SESSIONS COURT THIS MORNING.