Two arrested for stealing from homes affected by Hurricane Helene in Caldwell, Burke counties

Through a joint investigation between the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office and Burke County Sheriff’s Office, two individuals were arrested for at least four burglary and theft cases that occurred in Caldwell and Burke counties between Oct. 1 and Oct. 22, according to a news release from the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office Office.

The incidents occurred at residential homes in both counties in the wake of the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, the news release said. Investigators said the suspects targeted homes that were vacant due to a power outage. During the joint investigation, law enforcement recovered a total of 80 pieces of stolen property taken from the burglary locations, the news release said.

Some of the items recovered included two side-by-side ATVs, a Honda four-wheeler, numerous firearms and multiple other household items. The total value of the items recovered during this investigation by both the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office and the Burke County Sheriff’s Office is estimated at $50,000, according to the news release.

Calvin Wayne Bowen, 45, was arrested on October 17 and is charged by the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office with:

* Two counts of burglary, two counts of theft after breaking and entering, two counts of theft of a firearm and two counts of criminal possession of stolen property.

Bowen is accused by the Burke County Sheriff’s Office of:

* Burglary, theft after burglary, theft of a motor vehicle and possession of a stolen motor vehicle.

Derrick Baylee Robinson, 25, was arrested on October 22 and is charged by the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office with:

* Two counts of burglary, two counts of theft after breaking and entering, two counts of theft of a firearm and two counts of criminal possession of stolen property.

Robinson is charged by the Burke County Sheriff’s Office with:

* Burglary, theft after burglary, theft of a motor vehicle and possession of a stolen motor vehicle.

Both Bowen and Robinson are being held in the Caldwell County Detention Center under Secure Bonds from both Caldwell and Burke Counties.

Investigators are still seeking help to recover additional items stolen in these cases. If you have any information regarding the cases, please contact Detective Chris Hamby with the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office at 828-759-1554 or Detective R. Brock with the Burke County Sheriff’s Office at 828-438-5500, it said press release.