U.S. Busts Major Home Burglary Gang Operating in North, South Carolina

August 19, 2009

Federal law enforcement officials are expected to reveal the details of their bust of a home burglary gang that operated for several years in North Carolina and South Carolina tomorrow.

The ring is believed responsible for hundreds of home burglaries and hundreds of thousands of dollars in stolen personal property, including more than 125 firearms.

The U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives said at least nine people have been indicted for particpation in the ring.

The ATF said the ring consisted of This mostly multi-convicted felons who targeted homes in the North Carolina counties of Stanly, Cabarrus, Anson, Rowan, Montgomery, Moore, Randolph, Davidson, Mecklenburg and Union, and the counties of York and Marlboro in South Carolina.

Federal and local authorities have scheduled a news conference Thursday in Albemarle to identify the defendants and outline the charges.

ATF said the members of this crime ring utilized sophisticated fixed and mobile surveillance and operated in organized teams with team leaders to identify and burglarize their targeted homes. More than 10 law enforcement agencies along with ATF conducted a joint investigation covering multiple jurisdictions.