WAYNE COUNTY, N.C. — A 46-year-old Pikeville woman is facing multiple felony charges after deputies say thousands of feet of wire were stolen from a local solar farm, causing more than $10,000 in damage.
According to the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded on January 23, 2026, to a report of a suspicious vehicle at a solar farm located off Hare Road. Upon arrival, deputies located a suspect at the scene and began an investigation.
Authorities say the investigation revealed approximately 4,000 feet of wire had been stolen from the property. Damage to the solar farm is estimated to exceed $10,000.
Sarah Jane Pierce, 46, of Vail Road in Pikeville, was charged with Breaking and Entering, Felony Larceny, and Injury to Personal and Real Property involving Nonferrous Metal.
Pierce was arrested by the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office and is currently being held in the Wayne County Detention Center under no bond.
