Auburn, Ala. - On Nov. 11, 2023, Auburn Police, with assistance from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO), arrested Rustin Eugene Smith, age 30, from Phenix City, AL on warrants charging him with two counts of theft of property first degree, two counts of theft of property fourth degree, and receiving stolen property second degree.

The arrest stems from Auburn Police receiving multiple theft reports on Nov. 11. Multiple victims reported recent thefts that occurred near the 700 block of West Magnolia Avenue, the 1200 block of Lee Road 51 and the 2400 block of Moores Mill Road.

After further investigation by the Auburn Police, Rustin Eugene Smith was developed as a suspect in all of the thefts. The LCSO subsequently made contact with Smith driving a vehicle, believed to be used during the thefts, on a traffic stop. Stolen property was recovered from the vehicle, and after further investigation, Smith was arrested for charges associated with the thefts. Additional property reported stolen in another police jurisdiction was also located in Smith’s possession, resulting in the additional charge of receiving stolen property second degree.

Smith was transported to the Lee County Jail and held on a $15,000 bond.

All defendants are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.