SPD: 2 charged after construction tools stolen from historic site

SUMTER, S.C. (WOLO)– Two men have been charged after multiple tools and accessories were stolen from a historic structure under renovation, said Sumter PD.

Gary Joseph Keels, 28, and Timothy John Rivers, 43, were identified as suspects in an April 17, break-in and theft at the Lincoln High School building on Council Street.

Both men are accused of breaking into the building and taking multiple tools and pawning some of them. 

Investigators said additional stolen items were found by police at an Oakland Avenue home where both men were staying.

However, only a portion of the items reported stolen from Lincoln High were recovered.

Keels and Rivers were located and placed in custody on Tuesday and charged with burglary-2nd degree (violent), grand larceny, and criminal conspiracy.

Rivers was additionally charged with possession of methamphetamine less than a gram.

They both were booked at the county detention center, where surety bonds were set for $35,000 and $45,000.

Sumter PD said the investigation is continuing.