Burglary ring had broad reach, say police

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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.