Two individuals are facing multiple charges in connection with a vandalism spree that authorities say may have resulted in more than 100 mailboxes being damaged or tampered with.

Sheriff Lane Carter reported that on Oct. 15, just prior to midnight, the Moore County Sheriff's Office received a report in reference to a damaged stop sign at the intersection of Niagara-Carthage Road and Joel Road. Officers found the damaged sign and also some damaged mailboxes in the area of Joel Road.

Shortly after the initial call, the Sheriff's Office received additional reports of damaged mailboxes in the Carthage area, as well as damage to vehicles and decorative yard ornaments. More damage was found by patrolling deputies in the area of Glendon Carthage, Farmer, Brady, Kelly Plantation, Old River, Dowd, Carthage, Hickory Creek, Connell and Tracy roads.

There was also damage reported in several areas within the Carthage town limits.

While checking these areas, a sheriff's deputy stopped a suspicious vehicle on Carthage Road near Dowd Road. The deputy located mailboxes in the bed and interior of the truck, as well as a stolen statue in the bed of the truck. Assorted pieces of mail were also located within the truck belonging to residents in the areas of the reported damage.

The driver of the vehicle, Robert Jacob Bufmeyer, 18, of 654 Hickory Creek Lane, West End, was charged with driving while impaired, driving after consuming under 21, 16 counts of injury to property, and one count of littering.

The passenger of the vehicle, Joshua Sterling Arrington, 20, of 305 Rockingham St., Carthage, was charged with underage drinking, 16 counts of damage to property, and one count of littering.

Both were taken to the Moore County Detention Center and released on a $2,500 unsecured bond.

Cater said in a release Wednesday that additional charges are pending. Sheriff's investigators estimate more than 100 mailboxes were damaged or tampered with.

All mail recovered is being returned to the rightful owners.

The Carthage police assisted in the investigation.

Contact Tom Embrey at (910) 693-2484 or tembrey@thepilot.com.