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Theft suspect leaves trail of clues

By Richelle Bailey | The McDowell News

Published: June 14, 2009

Police have charged a Nebo man they say tried to turn a new motorcycle into an old one, and deputies have nailed the same suspect for allegedly swiping lumber from a construction site.
Investigator Rick Gutierrez of the Marion Police Department said Michael James Martin, 30, of Roland's Chapel Road in Nebo took a 2006 Suzuki motorcycle to Ultimate Powersports on N.C. 226 South and left it there for employees to put a new tire on it.
Gutierrez stated that the worker became suspicious when he noticed that there were two separate keys for the ignition and gas tank, which is unusual for that type of bike. The Powersports employee then saw that the vehicle identification number (VIN) had been altered, according to the detective.
An inspector with the N.C. Department of Motor Vehicles examined the bike and discovered that the $3,000 Suzuki had been reported stolen by Arie Junior Lowman of Hickory, Gutierrez stated.
The detective added that Martin took a VIN from a 1995 Suzuki that was registered to him and placed it over the one on the newer bike.
Gutierrez charged Martin with one felony count each of altering a serial number and possession of stolen goods. He was taken into custody in lieu of a $5,000 bond.
In the county's case, an employee of Fred Bowers Construction Co. of Asheville recently reported to the McDowell Sheriff's Office that someone stole 25 pieces of lumber, valued at $506, from a construction site on Sail View Drive in Marion.
A deputy responded to take a report and saw drag marks. Detective Andy Manis said the wood had been loaded into a truck and didn't fully fit, so the end of the lumber skidded along the road.
The deputy followed the drag marks to Martin's home, according to Manis.
Inside the truck, officers also found a $318 chainsaw, owned by David Whitley of Asheville, which had been taken from the same construction site, Manis stated.
The detective charged Martin with two counts of possession of stolen goods and one count each of felony breaking and entering, felony larceny, misdemeanor larceny and injury to personal property. He was taken into custody in lieu of a $30,000 bond.