Man arrested for theft of antique engines

By: Donna Swicegood | Mooresville Tribune
Published: November 04, 2009

A Statesville man was charged with stealing antique engines and other items during a residential break-in in August.

Kenneth Allen Johnson of Statesville was arrested on charges of breaking and entering, misdemeanor larceny and possession of stolen goods.

Sheriff Phil Redmond said Johnson is charged for stealing antique engines from a Beechwood Farm Road home in August, as well as possession of items from a 2004 break-in at the same home.

Detective Sgt. Mark Nicholson began investigating after the homeowner reported the second break-in in August. He said he discovered that Johnson sold two of the engines, and found other items taken in the break-in at Johnson's home.

A search warrant was obtained and items stolen in the 2004 break-in were found, Nicholson said.

The Davie County Sheriff's Office was, at the same time, investigating Johnson as a suspect in break-ins in that county, and contacted Nicholson, he said.

Davie County detectives learned Johnson pawned several antique engines in Clemmons, and those were recovered.

Nicholson said Johnson initially denied involvement, but he was later arrested in Davie County, and then admitted to being involved.

Johnson then led detectives to the remainder of the stolen property, and that was also recovered, Nicholson said.

All of the engines in the most recent break-in and several items from the 2004 break-in were recovered, Nicholson said.