WILMINGTON — Investigators with the Wilmington Police Department have charged a Wilmington man in connection with multiple break-ins. Police say evidence recovered from pawn shops aided in their investigations that led to 39 total charges.
Michael Shane Leonard, 31, was taken into custody after being charged last week with one of the break-ins. After obtaining a warrant, detectives were able to file other related cases and additional charges.
Investigators have linked Leonard with 19 recent break-ins in the Echo Farms, Merestone, and River’s Edge neighborhoods.
Cpl. Bobby Benton of the Wilmington Police Department said the investigation started in mid-July and lasted until Leonard’s arrest last week.
According to Benton, police obtained some of their evidence from local pawn shops. Benton said he was able to take the allegedly stolen items to the victims for identification.
“One of the items had the victim’s name engraved on it,” said Benton.
Stolen items recovered from pawn shops were linked to an online database that matches Leonard as the seller, Benton said.
Leonard has been charged with 17 counts of breaking or entering; 13 counts of larceny after breaking and entering; three counts of a failure to appear on misdemeanor; two counts of an attempt to obtain property by false pretense; one count of a breaking or entering attempt; one count to resist, delay, or obstruct public officers; one count of burglary in second degree; and one count of trafficking in opium or heroin.
He is being held at the New Hanover County Jail on a $325,400 secured bond.
