WHITEVILLE, NC — After more than a year of investigation, the Whiteville Police Department has charged a suspect in connection with a March 2025 break‑in at the Columbus County Maintenance Building that resulted in roughly $11,500 worth of equipment being stolen.
Police say officers responded to the facility on March 29, 2025, after discovering the building and several vehicles on the property had been broken into. Investigators later determined that multiple power tools and lawn‑care items were missing.
The department’s Criminal/Narcotics Investigations Division led the case, reviewing surveillance footage, examining vehicles, and conducting numerous interviews. Those efforts ultimately identified a suspect.
On August 25, 2026, warrants were issued charging Nakema Wanya Haley with: 20 counts of felony larceny after breaking or entering, 5 counts of felony breaking or entering a motor vehicle and two counts of misdemeanor injury to real property.
Chief Paul D. Rockenbach said the department remains committed to thorough investigations, noting that some cases require extended time to resolve.
“No matter how long an investigation may take, our department is committed to investigating each case thoroughly,” Rockenbach stated.
Haley was taken into custody on August 31 by the Bladenboro Police Department.
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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