Burglaries Drop in Hart County Since October Arrests

The number of burglaries in Hart County continue to be low since authorities broke up a three-man theft ring.

That is according to Hart County Sheriff Mike Cleveland who said Tuesday it has been a change for the better.

“We arrested three people and charged them with over a half dozen burglaries,” Cleveland said. “Since that time, we’ve had a few thefts, but no burglaries.”

Those burglaries had been going on since at least July, most involving home invasions where the doors to homes were kicked in and items taken.

But a break in the cases came in late October when two eye witnesses came forward and called investigators.

According to Cleveland, one of the eye witnesses was able to describe the suspect’s vehicle and another eye witness saw the three men and was able to describe them.

Arrested in late October was 17-year old Terdevious Jarquez Jones of Greenmeadow Drive, 17-year old Zachary Seth Pearson of Cherokee Ridge and 18-year old Larrente Shavaul Gaines of Ellen St. in Hartwell.

Jones is charged with eight counts of felony burglary, three counts of felony theft, along with six misdemeanor theft charges and two misdemeanor burglary charges.   He is currently out on a $45,000 bond.

His two alleged accomplices, however, remain in the Hart County jail.

Pearson is charged with 10 counts of felony burglary, three counts of felony theft , one count of providing false information, and five counts of misdemeanor burglary.

Gaines is charged with nine counts of felony burglary, one count of felony theft and one count of felony providing false information.

According to Cleveland the trio had been working together and typically hit homes of people they knew, but since their arrest, it’s been fairly quiet in Hart County.   Over the past week, only one burglary was reported. 

Cleveland said despite the slow down, this is still one of the busiest times of the year for crime.

“We’re crossing our fingers. Right now is the busiest time of year for burglaries, but it’s been unbelievably quiet,” he said.”

Cleveland reminds people to be extra careful this time of year and make sure all gifts and packages are stored in a safe place whenever you leave your home.