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Feds: 4 arrested in connection with scheme to steal expensive plywood from SC

LANCASTER COUNTY, S.C. — Four thieves have been arrested and are accused of stealing expensive plywood and targeting Fort Mill and Indian Land, where there has been tremendous growth in development.

[ALSO READ: Police: Driver stole lumber, led high-speed chase in Johnston County]

Agents from the Department of Homeland Security and local authorities uncovered the scheme that may have contributed to the rising home costs in the area.

Three suspects frequently “drove south from Charlotte, North Carolina toward South Carolina on Highway 521,” and stole plywood from” Indian Land, South Carolina and extending west toward Fort Mill, South Carolina,” according to the federal case.

Officials said the suspects would sell the plywood to a fourth suspect.

“As the lumber prices have gone up, plywood is costing $70 to $80 per sheet,” officials said. “If they steal 25-30 sheets, they can really hurt that company.”

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The Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office worked with Homeland Security and recently filed federal charges against the suspects for “interstate transportation of stolen property”

One of the suspects told investigators he was sending money back to family members in Mexico.

The four suspects are being held in the Mecklenburg County Detention Center.

(Watch the video below: Habitat for Humanity asks for help as price of lumber skyrockets)