---

LINCOLNTON, N.C. – A Maiden, NC man has been charged with breaking into a Lincoln County Schools IT van and removing tools.

On January 22, 2024 Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office Baker District deputies responded to a break-in of a motor vehicle at the Lincoln County Schools IT facility on the Startown Road.  During the break-in a large amount of power and hand tools were stolen from the service van.

Baker District detectives worked with patrol deputies in processing the vehicle and the crime scene.  During the investigation, James Alfred Rhyne, 40, of Ray Danner Drive, Maiden, NC, was identified as a suspect.

On February 6, 2024 Detectives took Mr. Rhyne into custody on an outstanding warrant.  During interviews with detectives, Rhyne admitted to being involved in the break-in of the service van.  He was charged with felony breaking and entering a motor vehicle and felony larceny.  Rhyne was taken before a Lincoln County magistrate and is currently being held in the Harven A. Crouse Detention Center under a $20,000 secured bond. 

The case is still under investigation pending the identification of other individuals involved.  Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective D. Hendrix at 704-732-9050, the Lincoln County Communications Center at 704-735-8202 or the Lincolnton/Lincoln County Crime Stoppers at 704-736-8909.

---

---