DELCO, NC — A joint investigation between the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office and the Bladen County Sheriff’s Office has resulted in the arrest of two Delco men in connection with extensive break-ins, thefts, and property damage at the former East Arcadia Primary School and a local elementary school.
The investigation began on August 26, 2026, when Bladen County deputies responded to a reported break-in at the former East Arcadia Primary School. Investigators discovered that multiple air conditioning units had been stolen or destroyed and large amounts of copper piping and electrical wiring had been stripped from the interior. Total property losses and damages were estimated to exceed $200,000.
As the case progressed, tips provided to law enforcement linked Forrest Ray Kelly, 28, and Brandon Johnson Inman, 37, to the crime.
On September 1, 2026, Columbus County Criminal Investigation Unit detectives and Bladen County deputies executed a search warrant at Inman’s residence on Burnham Street in Delco. During the search, investigators recovered stolen property from East Arcadia Primary School—including scrap metal and a “Teacher of the Month” parking sign—along with additional physical evidence.
Follow-up evidence led investigators to a nearby property associated with Kelly, where additional stolen items were recovered. On September 2, Columbus County deputies caught Kelly in the act of stealing property at Delco Elementary School.
During a subsequent interview with investigators, Inman admitted to his and Kelly’s involvement in breaking into and stealing from the former East Arcadia Primary School.
Both men were formally charged with:
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Felony Breaking and Entering
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Felony Larceny
Inman was booked into the Bladen County Detention Center under a $200,000 secured bond. Kelly was transported to the Columbus County Detention Center, where he received additional charges related to the Delco Elementary School incident and was ordered held without bond.
“Criminals do not always operate within jurisdictional boundaries, and neither should our commitment to stopping them,” said Columbus County Sheriff W.A. Rogers. “The ability of law enforcement agencies to share information, resources, and investigative efforts is critical to solving cases like this. In this case, that meant working closely with our partners at Bladen County Sheriff’s Office. I appreciate the work of everyone involved.”
Authorities note that the investigation remains active. Anyone with additional information regarding property crimes in the area is encouraged to submit an anonymous tip through the Sheriff’s Office mobile app.
All individuals named in this report are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. Charges and case statuses may change as investigations and court proceedings continue.
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