Two Arrested For Series of Burglaries in Stephens Co.

Two people face charges in connection to a series of thefts in Stephens County.

Stephens County Sheriff Randy Shirley said his office has been investigating a number of thefts and burglaries in various areas around the county over the past several months.

“A lot of the thefts were occurring in the Eastanollee area,” said Shirley. “We had some burglaries that occurred in the Ayersville community and we were able to recover a little over $9,000 worth of stolen property during the course of the investigation. It led us to two individuals that we suspected.”

Authorities arrested 43-year-old Shannon Gettys and 23-year-old Asa Terrell Wilbanks, both of Hayes Wilbanks Road in Stephens County.

Shirley said that the two suspects have been charged with Felony Burglary, Felony Criminal Damage to Property, Theft by Receiving, and Felony Probation Violations.

“These two individuals were picked up and questioned and fully cooperated and confessed to stealing multiple items in thefts and burglaries,” said Shirley, who added that it cleared up several cases.

According to the sheriff, one of the thefts it solved was reported back in November when a Clermont resident reported that about $3,300 in hunting equipment like deer hunting stands, deer feeders, and game cameras were stolen from property he had leased on Hayes Wilbanks Road.

Shirley said other thefts that were solved included the theft of a $2500 ATV in October from the Ayersville community and the theft of a $3200 ATV, as well as a weed eater, leaf blower, and paint sprayer from Davis Road in Eastanollee in December.

However, Shirley said the investigation continues.

“We still have some thefts that are currently being investigated,” said Shirley. “We know other individuals and have names of other individuals in Stephens County that were involved. We expect more arrests to be made, as well as more charges against Wilbanks and Gettys.”

One of those thefts that remained under investigation is the theft of thousands of dollars in heavy equipment from the Hayestone-Brady Business Park.

As for Wilbanks and Gettys, Shirley said they were both being held in the Stephens County Jail at last report with bond amounts of $10,000 each, as well as probation holds.