Deputies Make Arrest in Container Theft Case

The Berkeley County Sheriff's Office has announced an arrest in a string of shipping container thefts.

After a two-month investigation, officials announced the arrest of Reginald Arnold Hutto II, 44, of Holly Hill, as well as the recovery of $100,000 worth of stolen shipping containers and chassis. 

The search of the suspect's home at 5639 Old State Road last week, in cooperation with the Orangeburg County Sheriff's Office, led to the arrest.

A truck believed to have been used in the theft was found connected to a container and chassis that had been stolen from North Charleston. Another four containers and 11 stolen chassis were found on the property, according to the Berkeley County Sheriff's Office.

The containers and chassis are believed to have been stolen in Berkely, Dorchester and Orangeburg counties.

Hutto faced two Felony Grand Larceny charges in Berkeley County and was released from Hill-Finklea Detention Center after posting a $15,000 bond.  The investigation is on-going and additional charges may be forthcoming, according to the Berkeley County Sheriff's Office.

Container theft has long been a problem for local shipping yards. Containers are uusually recovered out of state or sold for scrap.

A 2010 story from The Post and Courier reported that from 2007 to 2009, 61 shipping containers were stolen within the City of North Charleston. Most were reportedly recovered at the Port of Miami.