Macon County Investigation Recovers Nearly $100,000 in Stolen Property; Additional Charges Pending

MACON COUNTY, N.C. — An ongoing investigation into a series of stolen trailers and side-by-side utility vehicles in Macon County has now resulted in the recovery of approximately $100,000 worth of stolen property, additional narcotics seizures, and another arrest, according to the Macon County Sheriff’s Office.

The investigation began after deputies received multiple reports over several weeks of side-by-sides and trailers being stolen from businesses across Macon County.

Investigators initially traced the case to a stolen trailer located at a residence on Dendy Orchard Road in Highlands. Based on evidence gathered during the investigation, detectives obtained and executed a search warrant at the property, where they recovered four stolen trailers and four stolen side-by-side utility vehicles believed to have been stolen from businesses throughout the county.

As a result of that search, Ian Spies was arrested and charged with five counts of felony possession of stolen goods.

As the investigation continued, the Macon County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Interdiction Unit identified a vehicle of interest connected to the case. Deputies discovered the vehicle was towing a trailer that had previously been reported stolen.

Further investigation led deputies to seize illegal narcotics and additional stolen property linked to earlier investigations. Authorities said investigators have now recovered approximately $100,000 worth of stolen property since the investigation began.

Jose Amauri Lopez-Sanchez was also arrested on outstanding warrants. The sheriff’s office said additional charges related to the investigation are pending.

Sheriff Brent Holbrooks praised the work of deputies and investigators, saying their dedication and persistence led to the recovery of a significant amount of stolen property in what he described as a collaborative effort that will benefit the victims of the thefts.

The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities say additional charges are possible as investigators continue working to identify recovered property and determine whether other items connected to the case were also stolen.