Father-Son Duo arrested in string of burglaries

The Stephens County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a father-son duo in a recent string of burglaries. According to Stephens County Sheriff Randy Shirley, his office received multiple reports of burglary and theft in the Shorewood Community during the month of January. The items stolen in the area ranged from tools, TV’s, fishing equipment, and household items totaling around $20,000 in value.

Shirley says Investigators processed evidence left at the crime scenes, as well as interviewed neighbors in the area. During the investigation, Investigators were able to identify two persons of interest: Billy White Sr. and Billy White Jr.

Shirley says further investigation revealed that White Sr. had active arrest warrants for probation violation.

While at their residence on Mocking Bird Court, Investigators located White Sr. driving by and attempted to make a traffic stop. White failed to pull over and accelerated, leading investigators on a chase reaching speeds of 100 mph.

Shirley says Deputies attempted to roadblock White, who purposely struck two Sheriff’s Office vehicles while continuing to flee. As White made a right turn from Oak Valley Road onto North Red Rock Road, he lost control and went into a ditch; however, White; was able to accelerate brining his vehicle out of the ditch onto Red Rock Road and again attempted to flee.

Deputies were cleared to force the vehicle into the ditch at a culvert across the oncoming lane where the vehicle was disabled. White Sr. was removed from the vehicle and found to be in possession of a quantity of methamphetamine.

Investigators were able to execute a search warrant for White’s residence on Mocking Bird Court. During the search, items from four burglaries were recovered inside the residence. Investigators arrested 45-year-old Billy White Sr. and 23-year-old Billy White Jr. both of Toccoa.

White Jr. is being held at the Stephens County Jail and is charged with three counts of Burglary 1^st degree and is awaiting a bond hearing.

White Sr. is being held at the Stephens County Jail and is charged with three counts of aggravated assault on a police officer, four counts of burglary 1^st degree, fleeing and attempting to elude law enforcement, possession of methamphetamine, driving under the influence, possession of an open alcohol container, and giving false name and address. He is currently being held with a bond of $202,500.

Shirley says both White Sr. and Jr. are expected to have more charges filed against them as the investigation continues.