The Columbus County Sheriff’s Office says a months‑long investigation into an organized theft ring came to a head this week with the arrest of Eric Matthew Ward, 40, of Whiteville. Detectives took Ward into custody on October 14 after uncovering what Sheriff W.A. Rogers described as a coordinated operation involving stolen vehicles, altered VINs, and multiple break‑ins across the region.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, investigators executed a search warrant at Ward’s residence following his arrest. Inside, deputies recovered a GMC 2500 Denali reported stolen out of Horry County, a Ford F‑250 stolen from Columbus County, a Can‑Am side‑by‑side stolen out of Horry County, and a G3 center‑console boat taken from Brunswick County. Additional stolen property found at the scene has already helped close several outstanding breaking‑and‑entering and larceny cases.
Authorities estimate the total value of recovered property at approximately $150,000.
Ward faces a long list of charges, including:
- (3 counts) Felony Alter/Remove NMV Serial Number
- (3 counts) Felony Possession of a Stolen Motor Vehicle
- Felony Possess Catalytic Converter
- Possession of Stolen Goods/Property
- Possess/Sell/Buy Altered Serial Number
- Misdemeanor Fictitious Title
- Felony Breaking and Entering
- Misdemeanor Injury to Real Property
- (2 counts) Larceny of Catalytic Converters
- (3 counts) Felony Larceny of Motor Vehicle Parts
Ward received a $100,000 secured bond.
Sheriff Rogers emphasized that the investigation has already resolved multiple open cases across Columbus, Brunswick, and Horry counties. “All persons named or pictured in this post are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law,” the release states.
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