BY CAL BRYANT/ROANOKE-CHOWAN NEWS-HERALD
cal.bryant@roanokechowannewsherald.com

MURFREESBORO, N.C—Four Murfreesboro-area residents arrested in connection with 19 robberies and five arsons are believed to be connected to a March 10 fire that destroyed a Boykins-area home.

“It’s been a very trying two weeks,” said homeowner Leon Bolton, whose home on Burnt Reed Road was allegedly torched after thieves made off with guns, coins, jewelry and computers.

“It is gratifying that I can get some of my possessions back,” Bolton said. “But they’re just possessions; I’m not going to weep over those too much. My family is safe and that’s what counts.”

The group is also believed to be connected to a Tuesday arson that destroyed the historic Harrington Lodge near Lewiston, N.C. Built in 1956, the lodge was known for hosting North Carolina governors and Major League baseball players during hunting outings.

Arrested for the alleged crime spree were:

n Lionel Walden, 21, Conway, N.C., on 23 charges of breaking-and-entering, theft of guns and possession of a firearm by a felon. His bond was set at $1.3 million.

n Antonio Holley, 22, of Murfreesboro on charges of possession of stolen firearms and possession of a firearm by a felon. Bond was set at $275,000.

n Darrin O. Deloatch, 21, of Murfreesboro on charges of possession of stolen firearms, possession of stolen property, felony conspiracy, obtaining property by false pretense and possession of a firearm by a felon. His bond was $575,000. He also faces a felony fugitive warrant in Virginia.

n Gennile M. Barber, 33, of Murfreesboro on charges of possession of stolen firearms. Her bond is $200,000.

Warrants have been issued for the arrest of 22-year-old Japree Lortez Brooks of Murfreesboro. Brooks is believed to be armed with either a .357 magnum or a .40 caliber pistol.

Bolton said he was appreciative of the efforts of the Murfreesboro Police and the Hertford and Southampton County sheriff’s offices.

“They went over and beyond what I expected,” he said. “I can, however, bring a whole new perspective to people who think their possessions are safe.”

“I went out yesterday and purchased a very large safety deposit box to keep the important things that were recovered,” he continued. “The next safe I buy will take three men to move. It will be bolted to the floor and it will be fireproof. I’ve learned a lot of very, very difficult lessons.”