2 arrested after investigators found evidence in burglarized homes

Multiple arrests were made after a string of burglaries and thefts occurred in the Seven Forks Road and Gumlog area.

According to Stephens County Sheriff Randy Shirley, after his office received multiple theft reports near Seven Forks and Gumlog Roads, investigators and patrols began concentrating their efforts in that area.

Investigators were able to obtain a possible suspect and vehicle description from a homeowner that witnessed a suspect pulling into several driveways at random and then leaving without getting out of their vehicle. Shirley said his investigators were able to follow up on the homeowner’s lead and identify the suspicious person as Mikal Ean McLane, 28, of Lavonia.

On June 18, investigators were called to a residence on Seven Forks Road where the homeowner had been broken into three times during a two-week period. The homeowner reported a number of missing items as well as damaged property. One of the items taken was a Tractor and bush hog.

According to Shirley, his investigators were able to gather enough evidence left at the scene to lead them to a home on Martin Drive.

Once, investigators arrived at the Martin Drive residence, they immediately spotted a vehicle matching the description of McLane’s vehicle in front of the home, and as they were approaching the residence they noticed a tractor and bush hog, in the wood line behind the home, matching the description of the one stolen from the residence on Seven Forks Road.

Investigators also located a double-axle dump-trailer adjacent to the tractor that matched the description of one reported stolen from Eastanollee several weeks earlier.

Shirley continued to add that after his investigators positively identify the items, they were subsequently returned to the rightful owners; investigators, were also able to identify three subjects involved in the theft through interviews with the homeowner, and were able to make two arrests the same day.

McLane and Sonja Annette Sherman, 26, of Lavonia, were both charged with burglary in the second degree and interference with government property. Each are held at the Stephens County Jail with a bond amount of $10,000.

The Stephens County Sheriff’s Office has active warrants related to the theft for Michael Lee Goode, 43, of Lavonia.

This is an active and on-going investigation with potential arrests and charges forthcoming.