Traffic Stop Leads to Arrests in Connection to May Theft

A tractor, bush hog, and two four wheelers valued at $40,000 were stolen from a residence in Lincoln County in May. According to the Hickory Daily Record it was a traffic stop that allowed Lincoln County sheriff’s Office to catch the suspects. Joseph Matthew Shirley of Mount Holly was pulled over and was charged with possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia after a baggie of methamphetamine was found under his hood. Shirley was questioned about the May 12 theft leading detectives to search a home on Magnolia Grove Road where they found illegal narcotics, drug paraphernalia, and a bush hog and a bag stolen from one of the missing four wheelers. Shirley, Charles Jason Keener of Lincolnton, and Cory Aaron Ingram of Iron Station were charged with larceny, possession of stolen goods and conspiracy. Each had a bond set $25,000 each.