2 charged after tools stolen from historic site in Sumter

Multiple tools and accessories were stolen from a historic structure in Sumter, and two men have been charged in connection to the crime.

Timothy John Rivers, 43, of Sumter, and Gary Joseph Keels, 28, of Lee County were charged with second-degree burglary, grand larceny and criminal conspiracy in connection to the break-in and theft at Lincoln Museum & Heritage Complex, formerly Lincoln High School, on April 17.

According to Tonyia McGirt, public information officer for Sumter Police Department,  the suspects allegedly broke into the building, took multiple tools and pawned some of them. Additional stolen items were found by officers at an Oakland Avenue residence where the two men were staying, McGirt said.

Only a portion of the items reported stolen were recovered, McGirt said.

Both men were placed in custody and charged on Tuesday, April 22. Rivers was also charged with possession of methamphetamine less than a gram, according to McGirt.

They were booked at Sumter County Sheriff's Office Detention Center, and Keels was given a surety bond of $35,000 while Rivers received a surety bond of $45,000. 

An investigation is ongoing.