Pageland, SC – A 13-year-old teen with a GPS monitoring device and a history of 18 prior charges in Lancaster County was arrested after allegedly stealing multiple vehicles, a golf cart, and a debit card, authorities report. The teen’s criminal activity has sparked concern among local law enforcement and community members.
Arrest and Criminal Charges
The teen was arrested on Sunday, September 21, by Chesterfield County deputies. He faces several charges related to the thefts, including:
- Five counts of grand larceny
- Four counts of petit larceny
- One count of credit card fraud
The credit card fraud charge stems from a report that a stolen debit card was used at a convenience store in Pageland, South Carolina, following the theft of the card from a woman’s vehicle.
Theft and Investigation Details
Deputies reported that the debit card had been stolen on August 31 from inside a woman’s parked vehicle. Investigators obtained a description of the suspect and later located him during a traffic stop. Security camera footage reportedly shows the teen using the stolen card at the store, and he allegedly admitted to deputies that he had found the card.
Investigators discovered that the teen had recently moved to Pageland after accumulating 18 prior charges for similar crimes in Lancaster County. At the time of the arrests, the teen was wearing a GPS monitoring device, which authorities say helped place him at several locations where vehicles had been stolen or broken into.
Stolen Vehicles
The teen is accused of stealing or breaking into multiple vehicles, including:
- Hyundai Elantra
- Ford Focus
- Chevy Traverse
- Two Toyota Camrys
- One golf cart
As per WBTV, authorities continue to investigate whether more vehicles were targeted and warned that additional charges could be filed as the investigation progresses.
Law Enforcement and Community Response
Chesterfield County deputies emphasized that the case highlights the challenges of monitoring juvenile offenders, particularly those with prior criminal histories. Despite the use of a GPS tracking device, the teen allegedly engaged in repeated thefts, demonstrating the need for enhanced supervision and preventive measures.
Officials are urging local residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity in the area to assist in preventing further crimes. They also noted that this case illustrates the importance of community awareness and cooperation with law enforcement when dealing with repeat juvenile offenders.
Juvenile Crime Concerns
Experts warn that early intervention, counseling, and structured supervision are critical when dealing with young individuals involved in criminal activity. The teen’s case raises questions about how GPS monitoring and other preventive tools can be better used to reduce recidivism and protect communities.
Share your thoughts: What steps should communities and authorities take to prevent juvenile thefts and protect neighborhoods? Comment below to join the discussion.
