February 16, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FROM: Sheriff W. A. Rogers
Columbus County, NC — Over the weekend, patrol deputies with the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office Bravo Shift responded to multiple incidents that resulted in arrests, narcotics charges, and the recovery of stolen property across Columbus County and neighboring jurisdictions.
Trespassing Complaint Leads to Larceny and Narcotics Arrests
On February 14, 2026, deputies were dispatched to a trespassing complaint at a farm on Edmund Road in Evergreen. The property owner reported seeing a vehicle on his land through a recently installed camera system. He also advised that the same vehicle had previously been warned to stay off the property after being observed taking scrap metal earlier in the week.
Upon arrival, deputies observed a male actively loading scrap metal into the vehicle. During the investigation, the individual was unable to provide the property owner’s name or permission to be on the property. Deputies also observed suspected narcotics in plain view.
Both occupants of the vehicle identified as Kenneth Garrett Bowen and Valerie Pittman Bowen were detained. Deputies located suspected cocaine and drug paraphernalia on their persons and inside the vehicle. Receipts from a metal recycling facility were also recovered.
Both individuals were transported to the Columbus County Law Enforcement Center, where probable cause was established. Each was charged with:
• Felony Larceny
• Second Degree Trespass
• Felony Possession of Cocaine
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
The vehicle was seized and towed. The stolen scrap metal was returned to the property owner.
Stolen Trailer Recovered; Suspect Arrested in Tabor City Investigation
In a separate investigation, deputies and detectives worked to recover property reported stolen from a residence on Ten Mile Road in Tabor City. The victim reported that a black enclosed trailer containing a racing go‑cart and multiple motors had been taken from his property.
During the investigation, information indicated the trailer had been transported to South Carolina. Coordination with the Horry County Police Department led to the recovery of the trailer. Witness statements identified Lloyd Devon Duncan as the individual who brought the trailer to the location.
On February 15, 2026, deputies located Duncan at a residence on Clarendon‑Chadbourn Road. He was taken into custody without incident. Investigators subsequently recovered several stolen go‑cart motors and parts hidden in a wooded area behind the residence. All recovered items were returned to the victim.
Duncan was transported to the Columbus County Detention Center and served with outstanding charges of Felony Larceny. He received a $25,000 secured bond. The investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges may be filed as efforts continue to locate remaining stolen property and identify any additional individuals involved.
Sheriff’s Office Statement
These incidents highlight the continued vigilance of Columbus County Sheriff’s Office patrol deputies and investigators, as well as the important role community members and surveillance systems play in helping law enforcement prevent crime and recover stolen property.
“Everyone is presumed to be innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. The information contained in this post is not intended to be an expression of opinion regarding guilt.”
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