RALEIGH, NC — A months-long investigation into a series of residential burglaries across Raleigh has resulted in 40 felony charges against a 52-year-old man accused of targeting homes while residents were out of town and stealing more than $380,000 in valuables.
The Raleigh Police Department identified the suspect as Stephen Neal Trotter Jr., 52, following a joint investigative effort involving detectives and crime analysts from Raleigh and Greensboro.
Burglars Targeted Homes While Residents Were Away
According to Raleigh police, the burglary pattern began May 15, 2026, with incidents concentrated primarily in the city’s Southwest District, although homes in the North District were also targeted.
Investigators said the suspect typically struck between 11 p.m. and 4 a.m., using a prying tool to force entry through side or rear doors of homes whose occupants were out of town…