Sheriff Darren Campbell stated that the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office has been investigating numerous cases where items have been stolen from carports, out buildings, unlocked vehicles, and one house breaking and entering where the back door was kicked open. The property that was stolen ranged from numerous firearms , electronics, chain saws, weed trimmers, hand tools and other various items with a total value of approximately $18,875.00 dollars. A total of 13 reports were taken from victims since July 22nd, to September the 11th. Detectives collected evidence and spoke to numerous witnesses in the area of each of these incidents. Numerous victims have told Detectives that they had seen a black car with a crack windshield in the area and some people actually spoke to the suspect who was using various stories about trying to sell/buy cats and dogs.
Detectives during this time learned that Alexander County Sheriff’s Office was also experiencing the same types of crimes and also had witnesses who saw a black car in the area of some of their incidents. Detectives from both counties have shared information and worked closely to the close of these cases.
On September the 11th, Deputy Jody Johnson spotted the suspect vehicle which was a black four door Infinity on Hwy 90 near the Alexander County line. Johnson stopped the vehicle and found the vehicle operator to be Christopher Lee Goforth of 1053 Midway Road Statesville. Detectives were called to the scene where it was clear this was the suspect involved in all these matter. Goforth admitted to be at home on September 10th on Old Wilkesboro Road where a home owner confronted him as he was attempting to steal cooper. Goforth was arrested at this time.
Detectives were able to obtain information that Goforth was living at 1053 Midway Road Statesville and later executed a search of that home. Numerous stolen items from Iredell County and Alexander County were located in the home. Numerous firearms, a 65 inch television, cases of drinks, electronics, leaf blower, compound bows, tiller, golf clubs and numerous other items with an estimated value of $13,882.00 was recovered from the home.
Christopher Lee Goforth has been charged with 5 counts of Felony Breaking and Entering, 5 Counts of Felony Larceny after Breaking and Entering, 1 count of Larceny of Firearms, 1 count of Possession of Firearms by a Convicted Felon, 6 Counts of Misdemeanor Larceny, and 1 count of Attempted Misdemeanor Larceny. This investigation is still on going with both counties and it is likely that more charges will be filed against Goforth in the future.
Christopher Lee Goforth has an extensive criminal history and his last conviction was on June 6th, 2013 and he was sentenced to 1 year and 8 months in prison. Christopher Lee Goforth is being held in the Iredell County Detention center in lieu of a $153,000.00 dollar secured bond and has pending court dates in Iredell and Alexander County.