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MAGNOLIA — Last week, the Magnolia Police Department announced the arrest of Ronnie Lenel Devane, 43, a suspect in a series of break-ins.
According to authorities, between April 7 and May 10, the town of Magnolia experienced an unsettling wave of break-ins, which included theft and property damage. Among the affected were a motor vehicle at Magnolia Court Apartments, Casa Guerrero Restaurant on Railroad Street, and Taqueria Mi Lupita on Main Street, which experienced three separate incidents.
Magnolia Police stated that the stolen items held little intrinsic value; however, the impact of these crimes led to damage to local businesses, which now bear the costs of repairs.
In an investigation led by Magnolia Police Chief J.T. Wood, Devane emerged as a primary suspect.
“Devane did not have a permanent address but was found to be spending most of his time in Magnolia Court Apartments,” reported Magnolia Police on a social media post.
As the investigation progressed, Wood learned of a break-in at a tanning salon in Wallace. On May 6, after reviewing surveillance footage provided by the Wallace Police Department, he identified Devane as a suspect in the burglary. In light of this development, Wood convened with a Wallace PD detective and law enforcement from neighboring jurisdictions to discuss the recent spate of break-ins.
On May 10, Magnolia PD apprehended Devane for trespassing at Small Town Laundromat on Monk Street. He was charged with trespassing, possession of cocaine, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Following his arrest, Devane was booked into Duplin County Jail under a $7,000 secured bond.
In the following days, Wallace PD announced additional charges against Devane, resulting in a $7,500 increase to his secured bond.
On May 23, the Magnolia Police served Devane with a series of serious offenses, including three counts of felony breaking and entering, two counts of felony larceny following breaking and entering, one count of breaking and entering a motor vehicle with larceny, and two counts of injury to real property. These new charges resulted in a substantial addition of $70,000 to Devane’s total secured bond, bringing the total to a hefty $84,500.
The Magnolia Police Department extended gratitude to all community members who contributed to the investigation of these cases.
“It takes a community coming together with one voice to deny crime a foothold on the communities and freedoms we hold dear,” wrote Magnolia PD.
Authorities are looking into any potential involvement of other individuals. Magnolia PD stated that no further information can be disclosed at this time to maintain the integrity of the ongoing investigation.
Authorities are investigating any potential involvement of other individuals. Magnolia PD stated that no further details can be disclosed at this time to uphold the integrity of the ongoing investigation.
