AUBURN, Ala. - On July 22, 2026, the Auburn Police Department arrested Derrick Javon Carter Jr., 31, of Auburn, Alabama on charges of three counts of theft of property first degree, one count of theft of property third degree and one count of forgery third degree.

The arrest stems from an investigation into several thefts of utility trailers, lawn equipment and a vehicle that were reported in the 10000 block of US Highway 280 West. The victim reported that someone stole the items over the course of several days in July. Some of the stolen property were recovered in Tallapoosa County, and a subsequent investigation revealed Carter as the suspect in the case.

Warrants were obtained, and Carter was taken into custody on July 22, 2026. He was transported to the Auburn Police Department for questioning, and later to the Lee County Jail where he is being held on an $18,000 bond.

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