Charlotte pair charged in massive multi-county theft ring: Sheriff

LINCOLN COUNTY, N.C. ( QUEEN CITY NEWS ) – Two Charlotte residents are facing a slew of charges in connection to a large theft ring where local businesses were targeted in Charlotte, Denver, and surrounding areas, according to the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies said the two, identified as William Alexander Munoz-Pineda, 23, of Charlotte, and Laura Bell Redden, 24 of Charlotte, were taken into custody on Thursday, July 11.

The duo is accused of stealing multiple items including trucks, trailers, and a lawnmower. Deputies said the Charlotte pair also tried to steal a motorcycle.

The two have been linked to at least four separate cases across Lincoln, Gaston, and Mecklenburg counties.

In one of the four reported cases, Redden is accused of nearly striking a deputy with a stolen truck she was driving after the deputy encountered her at a business in Denver. A short chase began before deputies backed off due to the traffic conditions and for the safety of the public.

That particular stolen truck was located later in Charlotte by detectives.

On Friday, July 12, authorities recovered additional stolen items, including a zero-turn mower in Pageland, South Carolina. An attachment for the mower was recovered at a business in Matthews, the sheriff’s office said.

Munoz-Pineda has been charged with the following:

• Two felony counts of larceny of a motor vehicle
• Three counts of felony larceny
• Felony possession of a stolen motor vehicle
• Felony attempted larceny of a motor vehicle

His bond was set to $60,000.

Redden has been charged with the following:

• Felony attempted larceny of a motor vehicle

Her bond was set at $5,000. Deputies said she’s also facing charges of two felony counts of larceny of a motor vehicle, three felony counts of larceny, and felony assault with a deadly weapon on law enforcement. Deputies said Redden has not yet been served on those charges but remains in jail.

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