ROCKINGHAM — A man wanted for reportedly not showing up for court during the summer is accused of stealing equipment from a home in the city limits.
Samuel Russell Smith II, 30, of East Rockingham, allegedly stole a Troybilt zero-turn lawnmower and a 5x8 utility trailer from a property in Rockingham on Sept. 28.
An arrest warrant was issued to the Rockingham Police Department on Oct. 31, charging Smith with two counts each of felony larceny and possession of stolen goods or property.
Smith allegedly fled from a Richmond County sheriff’s deputy on Nov. 3, leading to a citation for a misdemeanor count of fleeing to elude arrest with a motor vehicle, as well as reckless driving and driving while license revoked.
He was arrested and booked into the Richmond County Jail where he is being held on a $10,000 secured bond.
Online court records show orders for arrest were issued Aug. 7 when Smith failed to appear in court on two cases from 2024. He is charged with felony larceny and possession of stolen goods in one case, and misdemeanor larceny and possession of stolen goods in the other. He is being held on a combined $20,500 secured bond on those charges.
Smith’s next court appearance is scheduled for Nov. 20.
Records appear to show Smith has no prior convictions in North Carolina.
All defendants facing criminal charges are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
