EDGEFIELD COUNTY, SOUTH CAROLINA — Two Greenwood County men have been arrested in connection with a large-scale, multi-county theft operation targeting catalytic converters and Diesel Particulate Filter parts from school buses across South Carolina and Georgia, with investigators saying more arrests are expected as the investigation continues.
Andrew Ramon Kelley, 29, was charged on June 12 by the Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Office with possession of implements capable of being used in a crime, two counts of criminal conspiracy, obtaining nonferrous metals unlawfully, grand larceny of $10,000 or more, intentional damage to property, petit larceny, furnishing contraband in a detention facility, damaging and tampering with a vehicle, and unlawful entry into enclosed places. He was booked into the Orangeburg County Detention Center.
Jonathan Ward Fetrow-Smith, 28, was charged on June 13 by the Greenwood County Sheriff’s Office with receiving stolen goods valued between $2,000 and $10,000. He was booked into the Greenwood County Detention Center. Both are currently being held on bond.
The arrests came from a joint investigation involving 16 law enforcement agencies across South Carolina and Georgia, including the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division and the South Carolina Department of Education.
“These agencies, our partners, working together quickly, and using every tool in our belt, were able to make identifications, gain search warrants, and make arrests that put a stop to unbelievable losses to our states’ school systems,” said Edgefield County Sheriff Jody Rowland. “We know there is more work to be done; this investigation is ongoing and we expect additional arrests.”
South Carolina State Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver said the arrests send a clear message to anyone targeting school system property. “Those who seek to profit at the expense of South Carolina’s students and taxpayers will be held accountable,” she said.
Anyone with information on catalytic converter or DPF theft can report it to local law enforcement or submit a tip to SLED at tips@sled.sc.gov.
All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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