Forsyth County Sheriff’s deputies said Wednesday they arrested a Cumming man after finding $12,000 in plants and other gardening merchandise at his home after he allegedly stole them from a local nursery.
Herbert Martin Lynn, 44, is accused of stealing the plants, potting soil and equipment Monday from Garden Wright Nurseries on Melodie Lane in Cumming.
Sheriff Ted Paxton said Lynn initially told authorities that the items were given to him but then could not provide the name of the source. He said someone in Lynn's community alerted authorities, and a warrant was obtained to search his home, which is also on Melodie Lane.
Deputies found 75 bags of Monrovia potting soil valued at $450; 80 Japanese Maple plants valued at $4,800; and a tree boom attachment for a skid loader, a small tractor used by landscapers to move earth, and other material valued at $3,000.
Deputies also found metal benches, folding tables and a ladder, and the sheriff said there were items the nursery had not yet reported stolen. Most of the merchandise and equipment were recovered from Lynn's residence, the sheriff said.
Authorities did not say what Lynn planned to do with the merchandise, or whether he shopped regularly or was a former employee of Garden Wright. Efforts to reach a sheriff's spokesman and Garden Wright Nurseries were being made Wednesday.
Lynn was arrested Tuesday and charged with one count of burglary. He posted $11,110 bond Tuesday morning and was released from the Forsyth County Detention Center. He has a March 21 hearing in Superior Court.
About the Author
