Second Suspect Arrested in Church AC Theft Investigation

A second suspect has been arrested in connection to the theft and destruction of air conditioning units at Holly Springs Baptist Church, according to Sheriff Darren Campbell.

The investigation began following the March 5 incident, when deputies responded to the church and made an initial arrest. On March 8, new information was provided to investigators, including surveillance footage showing a second suspect fleeing the scene on foot just before deputies arrived.

Deputy B. Lee reviewed the footage and identified the suspect as 39-year-old Sean Craig Peters of Hamptonville. Warrants were obtained charging Peters with felony larceny, felony injury to real property to obtain non-ferrous metals, and felony conspiracy. Additional conspiracy charges were also filed against Jonathan Ryan Taylor, who had previously been arrested at the scene.

On March 18, deputies went to a residence on York Spann Road to serve the warrants. While there, they also served an outstanding arrest order on 39-year-old Amy May Dawkins, who was wanted by Mooresville Police for failure to appear on felony conspiracy and misdemeanor aid and abet larceny charges.

Peters and Dawkins were taken into custody at the residence. During the arrest, deputies observed a firearm inside the home. Knowing Peters is a convicted felon and prohibited from possessing a firearm, authorities secured the scene and obtained a search warrant.

With assistance from investigators and crime scene personnel, deputies executed the search and recovered methamphetamine, a firearm, drug paraphernalia, and clothing believed to have been used in the March 5 theft.

Both Peters and Dawkins now face additional charges, including felony possession of methamphetamine, felony maintaining a residence for controlled substances, and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia. Peters is also charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Both are being held without bond on the new charges.

Taylor has also been charged with an additional felony conspiracy count and was given a $15,000 secured bond.

The investigation remains ongoing.