ROCKINGHAM — A man accused of breaking into the Richmond County Rescue Squad base and stealing an equipment truck was convicted this week.
Court records show that 36-year-old Anthony Eugene Clark was found guilty of larceny of a motor vehicle.
However, charges of possession of stolen motor vehicle, injury to personal property, breaking and entering, larceny after breaking and entering, possession of stolen goods or property, resisting a public officer, attempted breaking and entering and possession of burglary tools were all dismissed by the District Attorney’s office.
Superior Court Judge Nathan Gwynn III sentenced Clark to eight-19 months behind bars and Clark will not receive pretrial credit for time served, records show.
As a result of a felony conviction, he will have to provide a DNA sample, and the judge recommended substance abuse treatment and work release, according to court records.
Clark was arrested July 3 for the June 30 break-in.
Volunteer Rescue Chief Scott Waters told the RO after the break-in that damage was caused to the building and many tools were either stolen or damaged when the truck was found burned in Lilesville.
Clark still faces charges in Anson County of burning personal property and possession of stolen goods or property, online court records show.
All defendants facing criminal charges are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Records with the N.C. Department of Public Safety show Clark’s only prior conviction was for possession of drug paraphernalia in 2003.
Several fundraisers have been held to help the squad replace the truck, including a motorcycle ride and a wrestling show.
The squad’s annual Halloween fundraiser, JoJo’s Haunted House, opens Friday and runs at the base on Rockingham Road every Friday and Saturday until Nov. 2 from 7:30 p.m. until they decide to shut it down for the night. It will be open the same hours on Halloween night.
Entry to the attraction costs $10 for adults and $5 for children. There is also a deal with Cordova Fire and Rescue’s Nightmare in Dova where adult attendees can visit both for $15.
JoJo’s Haunted House has operated all but three years since 1990, according to Kenny King.
Squad members are hoping for a large turnout this year.
