Bibb sheriff’s investigators bust up burglary ring behind ‘recent reign of plunder’
A burglary ring has been busted up by Bibb County sheriff’s investigators after a month’s long investigation, diminishing what Sheriff David Davis described as a “recent reign of plunder.”
“This investigation marks a significant achievement for law enforcement in Bibb County,” Davis said in a news release. “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.”
Investigators from property crimes and the crime analysis unit teamed up to discover how each of he multiple business burglaries were similar, including how accessed was gained and what was stolen, according to the sheriff’s office news release.
Cash, clothing, cigarettes, TVs and electronic devices were taken.
In many, exterior walls were breached with a sledge hammer or a saw. Safes in many were cut open or stolen. The suspects were masked and wearing dark clothing, according to surveillance video.
“Physical evidence was gathered and concerned citizens gave valuable information about possible suspects and locations where the stolen goods were stored,” the release said.
Search warrants were served at multiple locations in Bibb earlier this week and some of the stolen goods and items used to break into the buildings were seized, including concrete saws and saw blades, sledge hammers, crow bars and bolt cutters. Also seized were six guns and three vehicles.
Residences and locations raided include 3379 Warpath Road, 3979 Bernice Ave., 121 Countryside Drive, 1153 Auburn Drive, Room 220 of Motel 6 at 6009 Harrison Road, and Ark Self Storage at 1731 Keystone St.
Four people were arrested:
▪ Frankie Lee Barnes, 51, charged with two counts of second-degree burglary and violation of the Georgia Racketeer Influence and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act. Barnes is accused of burglarizing Tailor & Ellis Murphy at 3105 Vineville Ave. and Vineville Beverage & Cigar at 3117 Vineville Ave.
▪ Cornelius Antonio Redding, 31, charged with one count of second-degree burglary, RICO Act violation and a probation violation. Redding is accused of burglarizing KFC at 4475 Forsyth Road.
▪ Antuane McQuell Simmons, 32, charged with two counts of second-degree burglary and RICO Act violation. Simmons is accused of burglarizing Murphey, Taylor & Ellis at 3105 Vineville Ave. and Vineville Beverage & Cigar at 3117 Vineville Ave.
▪ Margo Shada Watts, 31, charged with one count each of theft by taking, theft by receiving and RICO violation. Watts is accused of theft at S&A Grocery at 1103 Rocky Creek Road.
The four were charged under the RICO Act “because it is believed that in this spree of burglaries they collectively engaged in a pattern of unlawful conduct,” the release said.
Multiple divisions within the sheriff’s office assisted in the investigation, raid and/or arrests in the investigation dubbed, “Operation Playing It Safe.”
This story was originally published May 1, 2020 at 1:00 PM.