Additionally, Erwin Wayne Askew, 51, was served with seven fugitive warrants from the state of Virginia for similar crimes at the Virginia Welcome Center in Greensville County, said Captain M.D. Deloatch Sr. of the Northampton County Sheriff's Office.

The new charges from Northampton and the fugitive warrants were filed Thursday by Detective Lieutenant C.L. Williams, Deloatch said.

In total, the charges in Northampton County alone reflect break-ins and larcenies from at least 20 rigs over the course of six months, Deloatch said today.

Northampton authorities are still trying to get an estimation on the dollar amount of items taken from rigs, most times as the drivers slumbered in their sleepers.

A sting operation earlier this month ended the string of break-ins on the second night of the operation.

In all he is wanted by authorities on more than 40 counts ranging from break-ins, larcenies and credit card thefts.

The service of the 15 new warrants for breaking, entering and larceny in Northampton and the issuance of the Virginia fugitive warrants effectively end the investigation, Deloatch said.

“I would like to thank the Emporia Police Department and the Greensville County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance in helping bring this case to some closure,” said Northampton County Sheriff Jack Smith. “This is the result when neighboring agencies work together to accomplish one common goal and that is to bring people to justice that commit these and all types of crimes.”

Askew remains jailed in Northampton on $104,000 secured bond.