1 Suspect named in Lake Hartwell Boat Dock Thefts

By MJ Kneiser, WLHR

We now know the name of one of the suspects responsible for a series of boat dock thefts on Lake Hartwell.

On Tuesday, Franklin County Sheriff Steve Thomas said his office arrested 18-year old James William Adams of Martin after an investigation going back to June of last year.

Thomas said that on January 15, 2020 Law Enforcement learned of Adams’ whereabouts and served an outstanding felony arrest warrant on Adams.

Authorities located Adams at an address on Stone Bridge Cove Way.

While Law Enforcement was executing the felony arrest warrant Officer’s observed a large quantity of fishing equipment that was believed to be stolen within the past several months.

A further search of the home uncovered a large volume of fishing equipment that was identified as being stolen property from local boat docks in the Gumlog community of Lake Hartwell.

The investigation revealed that Adams, along with a juvenile were committing the thefts during the night hours and were traveling on stolen canoes to local boat docks.

Investigators also found the stolen canoes used during the crimes.

Thomas said Adams allegedly stole rods, reels, fishing lures, fishing tackle, binoculars, lights, anchors and ropes.

The total value of stolen property according to the Sheriff was in the excess of 12-thousand dollars.

Only about $5-thousand-dollars-worth of stolen goods has been recovered.

Adams is being held at the Franklin County detention Center  charged with two  counts of felony theft by taking and one count of burglary.

Adams had a first appearance hearing on January 17, 2020 where his bond was set at $40K.

His juvenile accomplice was turned over to juvenile services.

Thomas said the investigation is continuing.