Two people were arrested after a string of burglaries in McMinn and Monroe counties.Two men arrested Wednesday after a traffic stop in McMinn County, Tenn., are being charged in connection with a series of burglaries in McMinn and neighboring Monroe County, a news release states.
In a joint release, McMiinn Sheriff Joe Guy and Monroe Sheriff Tommy Jones said a mail carrier had reported a suspicious vehicle behind a home on County Road 568 in McMinn County, and later the same vehicle was see near where a burglary was reported on County Road 550.
The truck, pulling a trailer, was stopped near Domino's Pizza in Athens. Arrested were Mark Dockery, of Englewood, and Anthony Shane Jirles of Athens. Arresting deputies determined that electronics items in the truck had been stolen from the home on County Road 550.
According to Sheriff Guy, Dockery and Jirles will be charged with burglaries on County Roads 550, 210, 252 and 561, as well as at least one theft in Athens. Monroe County is connecting the suspects to several burglaries and an estimated $60,000 in property, the release states.
"I am very pleased with the way we've worked together in solving these crimes," Jones said. "Criminals don't care about county lines, and this type of success happens when sheriffs work well together."
The sheriffs are seeking anyone who can identify several ATVs recovered as part of the investigation.
Dockery is being held under a $46,500 bond and is charged with aggravated burglary, three counts of theft over $500, and possession of Schedule narcotics. Jirles is held under a $22,500 bond and is charged with two counts of aggravated burglary, possession of Schedule 2 narcotics, and 2 counts of theft over $500.
The investigation is continuing.