On March 22, 2023, the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office responded to Lansdowne Place, Thomasville, in reference to a vehicle theft. Upon arrival, the victim reported the theft of a boat and trailer and provided evidence regarding the theft. During the investigation, two suspects were developed and a possible location of the stolen items was identified.
At approximately 12:45 am on March 23, 2023, deputies conducting routine patrol in the area of Finch Farm Rd. and NC Hwy. 62 in Trinity, observed James Lawson St. Clair operating a vehicle. St. Clair’s license are known by deputies to be revoked, therefore, a traffic stop was conducted. The passenger was identified as Forrest Storm Leach. During the investigation, it was determined the vehicle they were operating was the vehicle used for the theft of the boat and trailer on March 22, 2023, the vehicle was therefore seized.
During a subsequent search, methamphetamine, marijuana, paraphernalia and US Currency were located. Both subjects were therefore arrested and transported to the Randolph County Detention Center, where the magistrate found probable cause for the following charges:
Forrest Storm Leach - felony possession methamphetamine, misdemeanor possession marijuana up to ½ oz., and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia He was issued a $5,000 secured bond.
James Lawson St. Clair - felony possession methamphetamine, misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia, misdemeanor fictitious/altered title/registration card, and driving while license revoked – impaired revoked. He was issued a $10,000 secured bond.
A first appearance was set for both for March 23, 2023, in Randolph County District Court.
In the early morning hours of March 23, 2023, the boat and trailer were located off of Gallimore Town Rd., and returned to the victim. The victim reported a couple other items were missing from the boat. Deputies had located those items in the prior incident involving St. Clair and Leach in which those items were located in the vehicle at the time of arrest.
Additional charges were sought against St. Clair and Leach, as follows:
St. Clair – felony larceny, felony possession of stolen goods/property, misdemeanor larceny, misdemeanor injury to personal property, and misdemeanor possession stolen goods/ property. He was issued an additional $25,000 secured bond.
Leach – felony larceny and felony possession of stolen goods/property. He was issued an additional $5,000 secured bond.
A first appearance set for both for March 27, 2023, in Randolph County District Court on these charges.
Names of Defendants:
Forrest Storm Leach James Lawson St. Clair
Age: 26 Age: 55
