Suspects Arrested in Multi-County Crime Spree
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Hardeman County authorities said a person who attempted to have a laptop password changed at a retailer led them to the arrest of four individuals. They said the retailer reported the incident, providing a vehicle description. Police said a stop of the vehicle led them to property stolen from nine families in Madison and Hardeman Counties. “It ultimately led to the guy saying I got the laptop from that subject” said Chief Investigator Stevan Joy of the Hardeman County Sheriff’s Department. Chief Investigator Joy said the man provided an address where he said the laptop was purchased. “They were using that house as a stash house,” said Chief Investigator Joy. He said the home contained $20,000 worth of stolen goods. Authorities said they recovered 13 flat-screen televisions, guns, Xboxes and other electronics. Investigators said they arrested two juveniles, ages 16 and 17, along with Ryan Murphy, 21, and Shaquille Wilkes, 19. They said both men have been charged with four counts of aggravated assault and three counts of theft. Authorities said the men targeted nine homes in Madison and Hardeman counties on Highway 18 near Toone. “They busted the door down and took our TV, laptop computer and four guns,” said Larry Childers, a burglary victim of Toone. Childers said the men removed his door frame to gain entry into his home. “I really believe we’re going to see it slow down some because the law enforcement here has done an excellent job,” said Childers. Authorities said 90 percent of the stolen goods have been recovered. They said the Madison County Sheriff’s Department assisted with the investigation. Authorities said both Murphy and Wilkes have a bond of $250,000 and are due in court January 17.
