Burglary ring had broad reach, say police

Local News

Discussion

July 1, 2009

Homes from Tampa to Georgia may have been hit

By Stephenie Livingston, Reporter The Suwannee Democrat Wed Jul 01, 2009, 06:56 AM EDT

Nearly a month ago, four Dixie County men were arrested in connection with a burglary ring that may have hit 100 or more homes in Lafayette, Suwannee, Columbia, Taylor, Dixie, Gilchrist, Levy, Madison and Hamilton counties. However, according to Third Circuit Assistant State Attorney Karen Hatton, the alleged crime spree is more widespread than originally thought. Homes from Tampa to Georgia may have been struck as well, said Hatton.

Suspects Michael Christopher Hackle, 27; Cody Eugene Pridgeon, 23; Dwayne Mertz, 38; and Allen Lynn Thomson, 36, are being held at the Dixie County jail.

Federal RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations) charges have been filed against Hackle and Pridgeon, records show. According to Hatton and Lafayette County Sheriff Brian Lamb, more arrests are expected. Hatton say these arrests will most likely take place in Dixie County, since the majority of stolen items are known to have been sold in that county.

A meeting to discuss the details of how this case will be handled was held between Taylor, Suwannee, Madison, Levy, Dixie, and Lafayette county law enforcement representatives on June 23, according to Hatton. These counties have agreed to combine charges and hold a single trial. Law enforcement in Hamilton and Gilchrist counties have not yet finished processing evidence and were not present at the meeting. "Paperwork is still coming in as we speak," said Hatton.

The majority of counties affected are still processing paperwork and assessing how many homes were affected. It appears that about ten homes were burglarized per county struck, said Hatton. Fifty burglaries were confirmed at the meeting.

"We'll know once all the counties affected have filed their reports, but over one hundred homes affected isn't out of the realm," said Hatton.

Hatton says it could take as long as one year for this case to go to trial, due to the large number of counties affected and agencies involved.

Text Only

Local News

Showers possible for Memorial Day
May 25, 2012
5th grader belts a rendition of "I Will Always Love You"
A Suwannee County fifth grader mesmerized students, parents and faculty during the Suwannee Intermediate School Spring Talent Show Thursday evening.
Brittanie Powell performed “I Will Always Love You” which was immortalized by the late Whitney Houston. It was Brittanie’s first performance and she selected the song a few weeks ago after watching a contestant perform it on American Idol.

May 25, 2012 1 Photo
Pournelle receives valedictorian title
The only SHS senior with a 4.0 GPA was left out previously due to district policy

May 25, 2012 1 Photo
Jeep driver receives serious injuries following collision with semi trailer
May 25, 2012
Mayo woman loses unborn child in car crash
May 25, 2012
Suwannee Democrat obituaries - May 25, 2012
Agnes Barr Taylor

Bobby Roberts

Clifton E. Riley Sr.

May 25, 2012
SHS spring game tonight
May 25, 2012
Suwannee County's vals and sals
Editor's note: In today's paper (May 25) salutatorian is above Mara Lance's photo. Lance is a Suwannee High School valedictorian.

SHS

Valedictorians
Laura-Kaitlyn Boatright
Mara Magee Lance

Salutatorian
Christopher Cole Thomas

BHS
Valedictorian
Robert Hansen
GPA - 3.83

Salutatorian
D’Vonte Cherry
GPA - 3.76

May 25, 2012 5 Photos
Democrat Morning Update for Friday, May 25
Good morning. This is what's happening in your county today.

May 25, 2012 1 Photo
FCAT 2.0 math and reading results
Suwannee falls right in line with state averages

May 24, 2012
More Local News Headlines

With school almost out, how will your kids spend summer?

Local News

Search Results

Discussion