Sheriff Ronnie Fields announced an arrest following an investigation in the Eagle Springs and Seven Lakes areas.
On Nov. 17, the Moore County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a brush fire being set outside of a business in Eagle Springs, said Fields in a news advisory.
On Nov. 20, the sheriff’s department responded to multiple reports of breaking or entering at businesses, including two banks in Seven Lakes. At Truist Bank in Seven Lakes, the offender allegedly made multiple attempts to set fires throughout the building, causing minor damage to the floor.
Sheriff’s deputies responding to the Seven Lakes’ reports located a suspicious person walking in the area. Deputies were able to quickly identify the person as Shane Jones, 24, of Eagle Springs. Deputies accused Jones of allegedly being responsible for the break-ins and took him into custody without incident.
Sheriff’s investigators located evidence in Jones’ possession connecting him to the Seven Lakes’ break-ins and the recent burning of a church in Candor in Montgomery County. Investigators coordinated with Candor Police Department and state and federal agencies to determine the extent of Jones’ alleged crimes.
Although additional charges may be filed, Jones is currently charged with five counts of felony burning of buildings, six counts of felony breaking or entering, one count of felony setting fire to brush or woodlands, one count of damaging crops or trees, and one count of injury to property in Moore County.
Investigators served warrants on Jones for one count of felony breaking or entering a place of worship, one count of felony setting fire to a place of worship, and one count of injury to property related to the Candor incident.
Jones was committed to the Moore County Detention Center under a $145,500 secured bond for all charges pending a first court appearance in Moore County district court on Dec. 15. He is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
