ATLANTA – Federal authorities are seeking a DNA sample – along with hair samples and fingerprints – from at least one suspect as they continue investigating the theft of 130 guns from firearms dealers in several Georgia cities.
Investigators want to compare the DNA of Jameel Drinkard with evidence from the thefts, a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives agent wrote in search warrant documents filed this week in U.S. District Court. Evidence recovered by investigators includes hair found near a glass display case at one of the businesses, investigators said.
Drinkard is in custody in Rome, Georgia, where a pre-trial conference is set for May 19. He’s one of seven suspects indicted on federal charges following thefts in Athens, Dalton, LaGrange and other cities.
In one of the burglaries, some of the suspects smashed their way into Gold N Pawn in Monroe by driving a stolen car into the front door, according to an indictment. In others, they broke glass doors to gain entry, prosecutors said.
The crime spree included seven thefts from October to December.