Authorities with the Bryan County Sheriff’s Department arrested three Ellabell residents Thursday night on burglary charges.
Authorities suspect the trio is responsible for a string of power tool and scrap metal burglaries throughout Bryan and Bulloch counties with a possible connection to Effingham and Chatham, according to BCSD Sgt. Gary Provost.
Provost and BCSD Det. David Ellis led the investigation which they say stemmed from information they received from an informant several days ago. Based on that information, they received an arrest and search warrant for the home of Randall Futch, 45, on Church of God Road.
Provost said they, "found many, many items of stolen property both in and around the residence. We were able to identify several of the items to recent burglaries in the area."
The value of the recovered property is estimated at several thousand dollars. Provost said the stolen property includes many power tools and various metal objects the group was allegedly trading for cash at different locations in the area.
Futch and two others, Kay Pevey and William Rucker, were arrested on burglary charges and also on charges of possession of firearms by a convicted felon.
Firearms were in the home and each of the suspects have burglary priors.
Provost said the investigation "has just begun" and he believes that it will lead to more burglary charges.
"This is one of the main groups of burglars and local thieves in North Bryan," Provost said. "I suspect that it will be a little quieter around here now."
The three suspects are currently being held at the Bryan County Jail pending a bond hearing.
Provost said they each have a hold on them from Bulloch County for similar charges.