Raleigh, Greensboro Police Link $380K Burglary Spree to Suspect Facing 40 Felony Charges
RALEIGH, NC — A months-long investigation into a series of residential burglaries across Raleigh has resulted in 40 felony charges against a 52-year-old man accused of targeting homes while residents were out of town and stealing more than $380,000 in valuables.
The Raleigh Police Department identified the suspect as Stephen Neal Trotter Jr., 52, following a joint investigative effort involving detectives and crime analysts from Raleigh and Greensboro.
Burglars Targeted Homes While Residents Were Away
According to Raleigh police, the burglary pattern began May 15, 2026, with incidents concentrated primarily in the city’s Southwest District, although homes in the North District were also targeted.
Investigators said the suspect typically struck between 11 p.m. and 4 a.m., using a prying tool to force entry through side or rear doors of homes whose occupants were out of town.
Once inside, the suspect allegedly stole silver kitchenware sets, jewelry, watches, safes, and firearms.
Police estimate the total value of property stolen in the burglary pattern exceeds $380,000.
Greensboro Police Help Identify Suspect
As Raleigh detectives investigated the break-ins, police crime analysts developed multiple reports identifying similarities among the incidents. Those reports were distributed to law enforcement agencies across North Carolina.
A breakthrough came on November 4, 2026, when Greensboro Police Department analysts and detectives responded to one of the reports.
Greensboro investigators identified Trotter as a suspect in similar burglaries in their jurisdiction and shared evidence connecting him to specific Raleigh cases.
Investigators also compared surveillance footage from victims in both cities and determined that the same individual appeared in recordings associated with the two investigations.
The collaboration provided Raleigh detectives with additional evidence to pursue criminal charges.
23 Warrants Issued, 40 Felony Charges Filed
After consulting with the Wake County District Attorney’s Office, Raleigh detectives obtained 23 separate warrants on November 8, containing a total of 40 felony charges against Trotter.
The charges include:
- Second-degree burglary
- Larceny after breaking or entering
- Larceny of a firearm
According to Raleigh police, Trotter is being held in the Forsyth County Jail without bond.
Raleigh Police Chief Praises Investigators and Collaboration
Raleigh Police Chief Rico Boyce acknowledged the impact of the burglaries on residents while recognizing the work of investigators and law enforcement partners.
“First and foremost, I want to acknowledge the victims of these burglaries and the impact these crimes have had on them,” Boyce said.
He also thanked Raleigh detectives and analysts for their dedication and thorough investigation, along with the Greensboro Police Department for its assistance.
“Their professionalism and diligence highlights the importance of teamwork and collaboration in holding offenders accountable and protecting community members,” Boyce said.
The case underscores the importance of interagency cooperation and crime analysis in identifying suspects whose alleged criminal activity crosses municipal boundaries.
The charges are allegations, and Trotter is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.