Two Suspects Charged in Iredell County Breaking and Entering, Check Fraud Case

Authorities in Iredell County have arrested and charged two suspects in connection with a breaking and entering investigation that led to stolen checks being cashed fraudulently.

According to Iredell County Sheriff Darren Campbell, deputies responded on Saturday, June 13th, 2026, to a breaking and entering on Big Forest Drive in Statesville. The victim reported that multiple items were stolen from the property, including a checkbook.

Following the incident, the victim later discovered two unauthorized checks had been cashed from the stolen account after contacting their bank.

The case was assigned to Detective S. Zalepka with the Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division. Investigators reviewed bank records, conducted interviews, and collected evidence that ultimately identified two suspects.

Detectives determined that 27-year-old Charles James Lyons of Statesville and 29-year-old Kyle William Palen of Cleveland were involved in the case.

Based on the findings, investigators obtained multiple felony warrants for Lyons, including felony breaking and entering, felony larceny after breaking and entering, felony obtaining property by false pretenses, and felony forgery of an instrument. Officials say Lyons was already incarcerated in the Iredell County Detention Center on unrelated charges at the time the warrants were issued.

Palen was also arrested and charged with felony obtaining property by false pretenses and felony forgery of an instrument in connection with cashing the stolen checks.

Authorities say both suspects are currently being held under no bond due to existing charges in separate cases.

The investigation remains ongoing, and officials say additional charges may be filed as the case develops.