Cherokee County deputies arrested and charged two people with breaking and entering Shook's Marina and stealing 61 beverages.
Deputies responded to the marina on Joe Brown Highway on Wednesday, May 27, and watched surveillance footage of a man using a hammer to forcibly break into a vending machine outside the marina's office.
The Cherokee County Sheriff's Office identified the suspect as Brian Whitener, 56, of Murphy, North Carolina.
They say Whitener damaged the lock and handle of the vending machine. Surveillance footage showed Whitener trying to enter the marina office and freezer area.
Whitener returned later that morning with a woman, who deputies identified as Amanda Whitener, 53.
Deputies say surveillance footage showed the pair removing more drinks from a damaged cooler and putting them into a bag before leaving.
In total, the two stole the following items, valued at $100.
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45 Coca-Colas
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8 Red Bulls
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8 Mountain Dews
The sheriff's office said property damage to the office door and vending machine was estimated at $495.
Later during the same day, witnesses at Whitener Bend Dumpsters on Joe Brown Highway told deputies that Brian Whitener drove a vehicle into a chain-link fence, damaging 25-30 feet of fencing, and fled the scene.
Deputies who responded to the scene found a broken vending machine cooler handle at the scene that matched the damage from Shook Marina.
Deputies arrested both Brian and Amanda on Friday, May 29.
Brian Whitener faces the following charges:
Amanda Whitener was charged with aiding and abetting larceny. Both were also served with a probation violation warrant.
A North Carolina magistrate set conditions for their release and a secured bond of $13,500 for Brian and $5,500 for Amanda. Both have posted bond and been released.
“These incidents show a clear disregard for private property and the hardworking business owners in our community. Thanks to strong surveillance evidence, quick investigative work by our deputies, and help from witnesses, we were able to swiftly connect the crimes and secure warrants. We will not tolerate this type of criminal behavior in Cherokee County,†said Sheriff Chris Wood.
