Update 9/24/21 – Hartin has pleaded guilty to five counts of second-offense, third-degree burglary. He originally faced 32 counts of violent second-degree burglary. He was sentenced to five years in prison, with 240 days credit for time already served at the Orangeburg County Detention Center, a source reported.
At the time of his arrest, Hartin was facing charges of criminal conspiracy. He was released from jail after posting bail. Prior convictions include use of a vehicle without permission in February 2010, and burglary, failure to stop for police and forgery in June 2018.
1/12/21 – Willis Earl Hartin, 33, was arrested last week on suspicion of cutting locks and breaking into 32 units at Budget Mini Storage in Orangeburg, S.C. Hartin faces 32 counts of violent second-degree burglary, which each carrying a maximum incarceration sentence of 15 years.
The owner of the self-storage facility at 1698 Joe S. Jeffords Highway called law enforcement on Jan. 2 after he noticed the units had been burglarized, according to the source. Multiple video cameras on site recorded the incident. Investigators believe someone cut through the fence and razor wire to gain access to the property.
Hartin was taken into custody on Jan. 6. The incident remains under investigation.
Sources:
The Times and Democrat, Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Office: Man Accused of Breaking Into 32 Storage Units
The Time and Democrat, Orangeburg County Courthouse: Man Gets 5 Years in Prison for Storage Unit Burglaries
