Detectives Shut Down Storage Unit Theft Ring in Woodfin and Fletcher, Recover Stolen Goods

A Major Breakthrough in a Storage Unit Theft Ring

Detectives from the Woodfin Police Department (WPD) and the Fletcher Police Department (FPD) have made significant progress in dismantling a storage unit theft ring that began in 2024. The operation was highlighted through a social media post by the WPD, which detailed the ongoing investigation and recent arrests.

Over the past 10 months, local authorities have received reports of 18 break-ins at "Go Store It" locations in both Woodfin and Fletcher. These incidents involved individuals who had storage lockers at the facility. Detectives from both departments have been working tirelessly to track down the suspects, following up on various leads for months.

The breakthrough came in early July when investigators identified one of the offenders. This individual had previously been raided by the Buncombe County Sheriff's Office just days before. During that raid, deputies took photos of the suspect's house, which later helped detectives recognize stolen items from the storage units.

On July 8, WPD and FPD, with assistance from the Buncombe County IGRANT team, executed another search warrant at the suspect's home located at 15 Brookside Drive in Asheville. Inside, they discovered over $400,000 worth of stolen goods, including:

• Works of art
• Musical instruments
• Electronics
• Jewelry
• Firearms

Three individuals were charged in connection with the thefts. Robert Ventura faced the following charges:

• Felony aid and abet breaking and entering (9 counts)
• Receiving stolen goods
• Felony Conspiracy

Christopher Clemmons was charged with:

• Breaking and entering (9 counts)
• Larceny after breaking and entering (5 counts)
• Larceny of a firearm
• Possession of burglary tools
• Felony conspiracy

Jonathan Roberts was charged with:

• Breaking and entering (2 counts)
• Larceny after breaking and entering
• Felony conspiracy

Authorities anticipate additional charges for the offenders in the coming days. Most of the stolen items have been returned to their rightful owners, but police are concerned that some victims may not yet be aware that their storage units were burglarized.

The suspects are believed to have cut the locks off storage units and replaced them with fresh ones to avoid detection. Police are urging residents with storage lockers to check their belongings regularly.

Community Response and Collaboration

Woodfin Police Chief Jacqui Boykin praised the efforts of her officers and the collaboration with other law enforcement agencies. She stated, "Our officers wouldn't let this go. They knew eventually they would get a break in the case, and that break came a couple of weeks ago. All the hours conducting interviews, reviewing video, and conducting surveillance paid off, and now we have the satisfaction of getting our victims back their belongings. I'm proud of the way our folks collaborated and partnered with Fletcher PD and the sheriff's office. These relationships are key to successful crime fighting."

Fletcher Police Chief Dan Terry also commended the work of those involved in the investigation. He said, "This was a complex and challenging case, but there is no doubt we made a positive difference and had a profound impact on those unnecessarily victimized by this group of criminals. I’m grateful for those responsible for this investigation, their efforts, persistence, and servant hearts. These attributes of character, along with their willingness to partner with one another and work as a team, are often the difference between success and failure. And today, I’m thankful for, and applaud, their success."