SHELBY – A Shelby man was recently taken into custody by the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office on several theft and drug related charges.

Christopher Shelby Higgins, 18, who lists an address on Rockhill Drive, was arrested on Saturday, March 31, and charged with theft in the first degree, burglary in the third degree and possession of drug paraphernalia.

According to court documents, Higgins allegedly “knowingly entered or remained unlawfully in an unoccupied property,” and stole a utility trailer, chainsaws, air conditioning units, a heater with a propane tank, a kerosene heater, tree spikes, climbing rope, a Husky generator, a Mitre saw, a router and a water taping machine on March 21. The items have a total value of $4,425.

Higgins was also allegedly in possession of a pipe used to smoke a controlled substance on March 30.

Prior to his March arrest, Higgins was arrested on several occasions between December 2017 and January. He was charged with theft of property in the first degree, theft of property in the second degree, possession of marijuana in the second degree and possession of drug paraphernalia.

First degree theft is a Class B felony. Higgins could face up to 20 years in prison if he is convicted. Third-degree burglary and second-degree theft are both Class C felonies. Possession of drug paraphernalia and second-degree marijuana possession are Class A misdemeanors.

After his March arrest, Higgins was held at the Shelby County Jail on bonds totaling $16,000 until his release on Tuesday, April 3. Higgins’ case was assigned to Shelby County District Court Judge Daniel A. Crowson Jr., and his preliminary hearing is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. on April 25.