A Georgia man already jailed on a burglary charge is now facing a much larger investigation after authorities linked him to the burglary of the North Carolina home of late NASCAR driver Greg Biffle.
Terrell Williams, 44, of Stone Mountain, Georgia, was arrested by Cobb County police in connection with a residential burglary in Smyrna. Investigators later contacted the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office in North Carolina after determining that property associated with Williams appeared to match items reported stolen from Biffle’s home.
Investigators Recovered Stolen Property
According to the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office, search warrants executed in Georgia led investigators to recover most of the property allegedly stolen from Biffle’s residence.
Authorities also recovered a service weapon that a law enforcement officer in western North Carolina had reported stolen about three years ago.
Investigators said electronic records and cellphone tower data placed Williams at Biffle’s home around the time of the burglary and in the area during the days leading up to the break-in.
Authorities also allege that cash taken during the burglary was used the following day to purchase a vehicle from a mobile automotive dealership. North Carolina authorities have since seized that vehicle.
Investigators found an RF detector in Williams’ possession. Authorities believe Williams may have used the device to locate wireless security cameras.
Social Media Allegedly Used To Find Empty Homes
Iredell County Sheriff Darren Campbell said investigators believe Williams monitored social media posts and news coverage to identify homes that were likely to be unoccupied.
The circumstances surrounding the Biffle burglary are significant because the deaths of Biffle and his family had received widespread publicity.
Authorities said the investigation has identified similarities between the Biffle burglary and the Smyrna case that initially led to Williams’ arrest. In both instances, investigators believe public attention surrounding events at the properties may have helped identify when the homes were empty.
One week prior to the burglary in Smyrna, a highly publicized deadly shooting had occurred at the residence.
Investigators are continuing to determine whether Williams may have committed additional burglaries and whether other people participated.
Williams Faces Charges in Georgia and North Carolina
Williams remains in Cobb County custody without bond on local charges stemming from the Smyrna burglary.
North Carolina authorities said Williams faces charges of second-degree burglary, safecracking, money laundering, two counts of obtaining property by false pretense, possession of burglary tools, three counts of larceny of a firearm, and larceny after breaking and entering.
The Iredell County Sheriff’s Office has requested Williams’ extradition to North Carolina.
Investigators are also pursuing a separate white-collar investigation that spans several states, including California and South Carolina. Sheriff Darren Campbell said Williams has not been charged with accessing Biffle’s bank accounts.
Biffle Family Items Recovered
The recovery of the stolen property brought some relief to Biffle’s surviving family members, authorities said. Investigators said family heirlooms and personal belongings were among the items recovered.
The broader investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have not ruled out additional charges or potential accomplices.
Sheriff Campbell credited cooperation between law enforcement agencies in Georgia and North Carolina for helping investigators connect Williams to the Biffle burglary.
Authorities are continuing to work to determine the full scope of Williams’ alleged activities.
