Arrests Made in Multi-County Theft Ring

By Buddy Hardigree, WLHR Radio, Lavonia

Two suspects are behind bars in the Franklin County Detention Center after a multi-agency search netted a cache of stolen items from three counties.

The crime spree began in early June 2016 and targeted commercial businesses of the automotive trade, according to Franklin County Sheriff Steve Thomas.

Thomas said officers with the Franklin County Sheriff, the North Georgia Drug Task force, the Royston Police Department and Hartwell Probation office ( Department of Community Supervision-Hartwell field office )executed multiple search warrants during the week of June 27, 2016.

“The search warrants pertained to illegal drug trafficking, burglaries and theft by receiving stolen property,” Thomas said. “The burglaries were reported in the Royston City Limits, Highway 29 Royston & Franklin Springs, and the Dove Hill areas. The crime spree involved suspects entering commercial businesses and removing large quantities of property with valves exceeding $ 15,000.”

On Monday, June 27, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant on Woodland Circle in Royston, Georgia and arrested Casey Barnett Johnson, 35 for trafficking in methamphetamine, probation violation and possession of drug related objects.

“Authorities seized the illegal drugs, along with a quantity of stolen property. The investigation revealed that the illegal drug trade and burglary spree expanded over a multi-county area that involved Hart, Elbert and Franklin Counties,” Thomas said.

Then on July 1, 2016 the Franklin County Sheriff, along with Elbert County Sheriff, the City of Royston Police Department, and The Hartwell Probation Office executed a search warrant in Elbert County.

During the search authorities seized a large quantity of stolen property. The property was identified by victim’s from Franklin, Hart and Elbert Counties, Thomas explained.

“We arrested David Shane Spears, 38 of Royston, Georgia. Spears was charged with burglary, possession of methamphetamine and probation violation. Spears is also wanted in Elbert, Hart and Franklin Counties for multiple thefts, burglaries and VGCSA,” Thomas said.

According to Thomas, Law Enforcement is continuing the investigation where evidence is being processed that links David Shane Spears with multiple commercial burglaries in Franklin County.