Arrest made after heavy equipment theft ring discovered in the Pee Dee

Investigators say they have discovered a ring that has stolen heavy equipment in six counties in the Pee Dee and have recovered over $300,000 worth of machinery.

According to the by Florence County Sheriff’s Office, its investigators, along with Clarendon County deputies, uncovered the ring.

Officials say a man was arrested on June 19, and another man is wanted in connection to the ring.

Douglas Kevin Grimsley, Jr., 31, of Francis Marion Road in Scranton, was charged with three counts of grand larceny and one count of violating the Motor Vehicle Chop Shop, Stolen and Altered Property Act, according to the Florence County Sheriff’s Office.

A joint investigation with the Clarendon County Sheriff’s Office resulted in the recovery of over $300,000 in property, officials said.

According to investigators, bulldozers, excavators, dump trucks, heavy-equipment trailers, heavy construction tools and light plants stolen from Florence County, as well as Horry, Dillon, Clarendon, Sumter and Orangeburg counties, have been recovered.

The investigation originated in Clarendon County when sheriff’s deputies discovered equipment that had been reported stolen from Florence County.

From there the investigation led to the discovery of numerous other heavy equipment items stolen from several other counties, according to the Florence County Sheriff’s Office.

Grimsley is being held at the Florence County Detention Center in lieu of a $35,000 surety bond.

Investigators also obtained arrest warrants for Ronald Lee Lyons, Jr., 31, of Willard Henry Road in Florence.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Lyons is asked to contact Florence County investigators at 843-665-2121, ext. 468 or Crime Stoppers of the Pee Dee at 1-888-CRIME-SC. Callers do not have to reveal their identity.

Officials said the investigation is continuing and additional charges and arrests are possible.