Authorities say the CEO of a company that plans to open a solar panel plant in Cherokee County is wanted for arrest.
The Herald-Journal of Spartanburg reports Cherokee County sheriff’s deputies are looking for Christopher Jones, the CEO of Global Energy Franchise, on charges of grand larceny. Investigators say Jones took aluminum from the site of his company’s planned facility in Blacksburg and sold it for scrap. An arrest warrant was first issued on January 24, but investigators say they have not been able to find Jones.
Deputies say Jones took about $17,000 worth of aluminum and sold it to a scrap yard. A building caretaker noticed the missing materials and called authorities.
In November, state commerce officials announced that Global– a subsidiary of Greenville-based Franchise Investment Group– would invest $18 million in the former TNS Mills Textile Facility. The announcement said the company would create 200 jobs over four years.
The company originally said it would provide solar system solutions to residents and businesses in South Carolina, with a plan to manufacture and assemble photovoltaic panels for other companies around the country.
Cherokee County economic development officials told the newspaper that they were not sure of the company’s hiring status.
