A month’s long investigation leaves a burglary ring behind bars and Bibb County Sheriff’s Office investigators discovering more charges for the crime spree suspects.
Over the past few months Bibb County deputies have investigated a number of business burglaries throughout Macon-Bibb County in which a variety of items were taken. In many of these burglaries exterior walls of the businesses were breached with either a sledge hammer or some type of saw. Crowbars or other prying tools were used to enter other businesses. Safes in many of the businesses were either cut open or removed altogether. Surveillance video or witnesses indicated that the suspects wore dark clothing and masks.
Bibb Property Crimes investigators assisted by the sheriff’s office Crime Analysis Unit began gathering information about these crimes to include how each incident was similar to other burglaries in method of entry or items taken. Physical evidence was gathered and concerned citizens gave valuable information about possible suspects and locations where the stolen goods were stored.
This month long investigation resulted in several search warrants being served on Tuesday, April 28th at various locations around Bibb County, which included: 3379 Warpath Road, 3979 Bernice Ave., 121 Countryside Drive, 1153 Auburn Dr., 6009 Harrison Road (Motel 6), Room 220, 1731 Keystone St (Ark Self Storage)
These searches resulted in the discovery of items that investigators believe to have been used during the commission of the burglaries. The items recovered were concrete saws and saw blades, sledge hammers, crow bars, and bolt cutters.
Investigators also found many items fitting the description of goods taken from the businesses burglarized. These items include cash, clothing, cigarettes, TV’s, and an assortment of electronic devices. Also seized were six guns and three vehicles.
As a results of this investigation, four individuals were arrested and charged.
51-year-old Frankie Lee Barnes, charged with two counts of Burglary 2nd degree felony and Violation of the Georgia Racketeer Influence and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act. The location Barnes is currently charged with burglarizing is Tailor & Ellis Murphy located at 3105 Vineville Ave and Vineville Beverage & Cigar located at 3117 Vineville Ave.
31-year-old Cornelius Antonio Redding, charged with one count of Burglary 2nd degree felony, Violation of the Georgia RICO Act, and Probation Violation. The location Redding is currently charged with burglarizing is KFC located at 4475 Forsyth Rd.
32-year-old Antuane McQuell Simmons, charged with two counts of Burglary 2nd degree felony and Violation of the Georgia RICO Act. The location Simmons is currently charged with burglarizing is Tailor & Ellis Murphy located at 3105 Vineville Ave and Vineville Beverage & Cigar located 3117 Vineville Ave.
31-year-old Margo Shada Watts, charged with one count of Theft by taking, one count of Theft by receiving and Violation of the Georgia RICO Act. The location Watts is currently charged with theft is S&A Grocery located at 1103 Rocky Creek Road.
Those arrested were charged with the Georgia RICO Act because it is believed that in this spree of burglaries they collectively engaged in a pattern of unlawful conduct. These individuals are suspected of being involved in additional burglaries. As the investigation continues more burglary and/or theft charges will likely be added to each one. Investigators will be following up with businesses victimized in these cases to determine if any of the goods recovered can be identified by their rightful owners.
The following entities were involved in this operation. Bibb County Sheriff’s Office Property Investigations UnitBibb County Sheriff’s Office S.W.A.T. Bibb County Sheriff’s Office Special Response Team (SRT) Bibb County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Unit Bibb County Sheriff’s Office Crime Analysis Unit Peach County Sheriff’s Emergency Response TeamBibb Sheriff’s Office Criminal Gun Apprehension Team (composed of members of the BCSO and ATF)Department Of CorrectionsBibb Investigator Sgt. Robbie Joiner and Investigator Jean Lebeuf along with Crime Analyst Thomas Crites were the coordinators of Operation Playing It Safe.
Bibb Sheriff David Davis says, “This investigation marks a significant achievement for law enforcement in Bibb County. We feel confident that the recent reign of plunder will be diminished by the arrests of these individuals. The actions of these diligent deputies will help to make Macon-Bibb a safer place to do business.”
