A Hattiesburg man working on renovations at Columbia schools is facing charges after allegedly stealing speakers from the high school auditorium and then pawning them.
Ronald Charles Brown, 48, was jailed Tuesday for grand larceny, as well as possession of marijuana.
Lt. Pearlie Hendricks, Cpl. Candice Stuart, Cpl. Victor Davila and Detective Lt. Jonathan Harrison took him into custody at Columbia Elementary School. Detective Capt. Rita Pickering investigated the case and was able to obtain positive identification on Brown, which led to his arrest.
“He stole several Yorkville Coliseum speakers from the auditorium project at CHS,” Pickering said. “He was a contract employee for the renovations at the school. The items were taken to a local pawn shop and sold there.”
Pickering said Columbia High School Principal Sheila Burbridge reported the equipment missing and the investigation began.
“Based upon information we received, we were able to locate the items that had been sold,” Pickering said. “The speakers have been recovered. They are valued at several thousand dollars; that is what makes it grand larceny.”
In addition, Brown also faces another criminal charge.
“He was found to be in possession of a controlled substance when he was arrested on the school campus,” Pickering said. “He had marijuana on him.”
Brown was lodged in the Marion County Jail. Bond had not been set on the charges as of deadline Thursday.
