BOLIVIA, NC — Brunswick County deputies have recovered close to $100,000 in stolen property after an investigation that began with two missing jet skis and a blurry image of a pickup truck.
According to the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO), deputies began looking into the theft of two jet skis and a trailer over the weekend. Investigators had little to work with beyond a poor‑quality photo of a truck believed to be involved. Using that limited description, investigators searched the agency’s Flock license plate reader system and identified a potential vehicle captured near the Alligator Creek Bridge, providing the lead needed to move the case forward.
Throughout the week, deputies executed search warrants in two counties and recovered a significant amount of stolen property, including:
- Both recently stolen jet skis and their trailer and two more jet skis reported stolen earlier this summer and their trailer
- A dump trailer, an additional jet ski trailer and a boat trailer
The recovered items are connected to cases under investigation by BCSO, Surf City Police Department and Wilmington Police Department. The total estimated value is approximately $100,000.00
Samuel Thomas Mairs, 33, of Stradleigh Road in Wilmington, was arrested and charged with felony larceny, larceny after breaking or entering, and breaking or entering. The investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges are pending.
BCSO officials said the case demonstrates how technology can help investigators develop leads when initial information is limited. In this instance, the Flock system helped turn a blurry vehicle image into an investigative direction that ultimately led to stolen property being located and returned to victims.
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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