WINTON – Five local men, including three teens, stand charged in two separate cases involving theft from Hertford County farming operations.

Sheriff Juan Vaughan reported that the arrests took place on April 5 following an investigation that spanned nearly two months.

Both cases occurred at farming operations located on NC 561. The first, on Feb. 15, involved the theft of a peanut trailer, two metal chains that were removed from a combine, and a 55 gallon drum. Another peanut trailer was reported stolen March 28 from a different farm located a short distance away from the first crime.

Arrested for three counts each of felony larceny and felony possession of stolen goods were Brandon Ray Jernigan, 18, of 113 Country Lane, Cofield, and Devan Tyler Ivey, 16, of 1721 Highway 561 East, Cofield. Both teens were placed under a $15,000 secured bond and jailed.

Joshua Lawrence Gaudette, 18, of 918 Ruth Ave., Ahoskie, and Dustin Michael Clow, 20, 101 Casterlow Rd, Cofield, were also charged in the case. Both were jailed under a $10,000 secured bond for two counts each of felony larceny and possession of stolen goods.

The fifth individual allegedly involved in the crimes was Frankie Albert Clow, 22, of 101 Casterlow Rd., Cofield. He was jailed under a $17,000 secured bond for two counts each of felony larceny and possession of stolen goods, one felony count of possession of cocaine, misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia, and driving while license were revoked.

All five made their first court appearances on Tuesday. With the exception of Ivey, all had made bond as of Wednesday.

HCSO Captain Will Liverman headed the investigation. He was assisted by Deputy Chase Oliver.

Vaughan said none of the stolen items were recovered.

“They wound-up being sold as scrap metal,” said the Sheriff. “This type of crime had settled down for a short while, but it always seems to pick back up as these culprits are looking to steal metal-type products that they can quickly sell for cash.”