Several Break-Ins Occur in Jasper

Several residences have been broken into during the past week, said Jasper County Sheriff Charles Roper, and investigators are following up on some strong leads.

However, no arrests had been made as of Tuesday and no further information was available.

Seven homes on the east side of Jasper County were burglarized. The Jasper County Sheriff’s Office is working with investigators in Putnam and Baldwin Counties, as they have reported similar break-ins.The sheriff said there had been reports of a person knocking on a door and offering to rake leaves or do other odd jobs for money. It is not known at this time if that is related to the break-ins.
All the homes that have been burglarized were homes where no one was present.

The sheriff offered several tips to avoid being victimized, and urged residents to call 911 to report any suspicious activity.
He suggests that if persons have patterns they can change to change them. He also suggests turning up the television or radio to make it appear someone is at home.

He urges those with burglar alarms to use them. He said it sounds silly, but unfortunately a number of homes have alarms, but the residents don’t set them. He also encourages neighbors to look out for one another, and asks residents to write down tag numbers and descriptions of suspicious persons, but not to confront anyone. He said if a stranger knocks on your door, call 911 before answering the door.

Also. the sheriff suggests that Christmas gifts be stored somewhere rather than left under the tree and suggested an attic or other place that is not as inviting as the Christmas tree.

Another suggestion from the sheriff was if you have a second auto, put it in the driveway so it looks as if someone is at home. Finally, he stressed for everyone to report anything suspicious to 911, and said, “We want to be called.”

During the period of December 7 through the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) reported the following arrests:
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Jesse Alan West, 17, Monticello: disruption of public school.
Brandon Lanorris Thomas, 21, Hillsboro: probation violation.
Jerome Keith Moody, 52, Atlanta: hold for warrant in Fulton Co.
Andrea Johnson, 48, Atlanta: hold for warrant in Paulding Co.
Lisa Marie McNerney, 29, Covington: theft by taking.

William Howard McNerney, III, 30, Covington: theft by taking.
Michael Dean Vickers, 21, Monticello: possession of marijuana less than 1 oz.
Rose Marie Pullens, 30, Monticello: possession of marijuana less than 1 oz., posession of firearm by convicted felon and parole violation.

Floyd Lee Triplett, 42, Oxford: probation violation.
Richard Eugene Johnston, 46, Monticello: child support.
Derrick J. Dumas, 23, Monticello: child support.

During this same period deputies with the JCSO responded to 154 calls for service including 50 stopping suspicious person/vehicle, 12 subject needs officer, 11 accident, 10 alarm, five each pick up prisoner and mechanical break down, four each burglary, juvenile complaint, trouble unknown and attempt to serve warrant, three each assist motorist, fire/structure, extra patrol, music/noise complaint and argument, two each livestock on road, escort or convoy, miscellaneous ems, private property, road hazard, fraud/theft by deceiving and identity fraud/theft, one each fight, speeding auto, chase in progress, fall, possible suicide, property found,vandalism of property, suspicious package, abandoned vehicle, request DNR, 911 hang up and transport of patient.

Also, during this period the Monticello Police Department (MPD) reported the arrest of Ray Banks, 52, of Monticello, who was charged with probation violation and possession of a controlled substance.

Additionally, during this period officers with the MPD responded to 49 calls for service including 16 stopping suspicious person/vehicle, three escort or convoy, two each alarm assist motorist, intoxicated pedestrian, mechanical bread down, crowd disbursement, private property and music/noise complaint. one each burglary, speeding auto, accident, livestock on road, fire/structure, mental person, fall, miscellaneous ems, welfare check, subject needs officder, attempt to serve warrant and stroke.