Former employee accused of stealing golf cart, mattresses from Myrtle Beach hotel

MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WMBF) – A Horry County man is behind bars after allegedly stealing a golf cart and over a dozen mattresses from a hotel he once worked at.

The Myrtle Beach Police Department charged James Smart, 43, of Conway, with grand theft between $2,000 and $10,000 and second-degree burglary.

The agency responded Oct. 29 to Sand Dunes Ocean Villas in the 200 block of 75th Avenue North for a burglary.

Officers learned the golf cart and 15 to 20 mattresses and springs were taken from a locked area, meaning whoever stole them had to have a key.

Officers were later told the suspect, identified as Smart, worked at the hotel and was suspected of theft in the past, according to a police report.

Smart’s keys were taken when he was fired in February, but he is believed to have made a backup, the police report said.

The bills put the price of the golf cart and mattresses at around $10,000 total.

Authorities arrested Smart on Thursday.

He remains booked at the J. Reuben Long Detention Center under $50,000 bond, jail records show.

Stay with WMBF News for updates.