Investigation continues into multi-county theft ring, after 4 arrested

All four suspects wanted in connection to a multi-county theft ring have been apprehended.

That’s according to Stephens County Sheriff Randy Shirley.

Anthony Christopher Bland, 20, of Homer has been arrested and charged with felony entering an auto and felony theft of an auto.

Hailey Allysa Bland, 18, of Eastanollee has been arrested and charged with giving false statements.

Blain Turpin, 17, of Baldwin has been arrested and charged with entering an auto felony and felony auto theft.

Shirley adds that with the help of investigators and deputies with Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, 19-year-old Jesse L. Arrendado, of Nicholson has also been charged with felony entering an auto and felony theft of an auto.

According to Shirley, this was part of a 3-County theft ring. He says the suspected thieves began their crime spree in Jackson County, then to Banks and Stephens Counties.

In Stephens County the suspects allegedly stole a 2013 Ford pickup truck.

Shirley says night shift deputies were called early Sunday morning from a Rock Creek Road residence. The homeowner called 911 Dispatch while attempting to catch up to the thieves, who took off in a stolen Mazda; however, the thieves lost control of the vehicle and crashed on Rock Creek Road.

After fleeing on foot, the suspects were picked up by Arrendado in the 2013 Ford pick-up. All four traveled back to the Commerce area to drop off the stolen items and let Arrendado out.

The trio then traveled  back to Stephens County where they were seen by a private citizen who had heard about the thefts. He saw the trio in the truck and called 911 while trying to follow them.

As deputies set up a perimeter another private citizen saw the truck abandoned on Pinetree Road. A search warrant was secured and all three were arrested at Bland’s residence in Eastanollee. The investigation is active and continues.