Sheriff releases additional charges against suspects in Multi-County theft ring
Stephens County Sheriff Randy Shirley has released additional details regarding the arrest of four suspects wanted in connection to several entering auto cases.
As WNEG News reported last week, the arrests were made after the Sheriff’s Office’s investigation revealed 17-year-old Blain Turpin, of Baldwin; 20-year-old Anthony Bland, of Homer; 18-year-old Hailey Allysa Bland, of Eastanollee; and 19-year-old Jesse Arredondo, of Nicholson were suspected to be involved in a multi-county theft ring.
Pictured, from left, are 17-year-old Blain Turpin, of Baldwin; 20-year-old Anthony Christopher Bland, of Homer; 18-year-old Hailey Allysa Bland, of Eastanollee; and 19-year-old Jesse L. Arrendado, of Nicholson.
Shirley says investigators have continued to follow up on the case, resulting in additional warrants being issued in Stephens County for Hailey Bland charging her with entering an auto. Hailey Bland was originally charged with giving false statements.
Warrants have also been issued for Anthony Bland for six-counts of entering an auto at locations on Avalon Road, Harbert Valley Road, and Wolf Pit Road, all in Stephens County.
All of these warrants have been served and both individuals remain in custody in the Stephens County Jail.
Shirley says that investigators with his office have also reached out to neighboring agencies after hearing that similar crimes had been occurring in other jurisdictions.
Investigators met with representatives from five neighboring Sheriff’s Offices and were able to provide information that led to warrants being issued for the same group out of Banks, Madison, Jackson, and Franklin counties, closing multiple open theft cases.
All of the additional agencies have placed holds on the suspects who will be transported to the respective jails upon their release from the Stephens County Jail.
Shirley adds that as of this report, investigators have recovered stolen items including a total of five firearms from locations in Habersham, Jackson, and White counties.
This case is on-going, and investigators continue to follow leads that they believe will lead to additional recoveries and potentially more charges.
WNEG News will continue to follow this story and bring you updates as they become available.