Hardeeville Police Department makes arrests in retail theft investigation

HARDEEVILLE, S.C. (WTOC) - The Hardeeville Police Department has made two arrests following an investigation into a series of suspected organized retail thefts throughout Hardeeville and Beaufort County.This October, detectives with HPD began investigating a pattern of suspected organized retail thefts involving individuals believed to be responsible for multiple similar incidents. The investigation was conducted in coordination with the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office.On November 4, 2026, HPD officers made contact with two peoplewhile conducting surveillance in the area of 127 Okatie Center Boulevard North in Okatie.Officers saw the individuals in the process of committing an offense. Following further investigation, detectives placed both people under arrest and confirmed their involvement in previous incidents. Those arrested were identified as:Michael A. Telfair Jr., of Savannah, Georgia, who was charged with: Multiple counts of ShopliftingProperty Crime EnhancementsOpen Container