Man Charged in Sheep Theft

A Wayne County man has been charged with stealing a sheep from the birthplace of former Gov. Charles B. Aycock.

David Allen Smith, 45, of 341 Bartlett Road in Pikeville, was charged with felony pursuing or injuring livestock with intent to steal or convert to personal use.

The sheep, named Annabelle, was stolen from the Gov. Charles B. Aycock Birthplace historic site in northern Wayne County early Sunday. The animal was located Wednesday afternoon on private property on the other side of the county.

Annabelle was the third sheep stolen from the site in the past year. Authorities didn't say whether Smith was a suspect in the earlier thefts.

Because the sheep are kept at the historic site, they are considered state property.