Aiken County Sheriff's investigators have made numerous arrests in a theft ring they say is connected to almost 100 crimes in the area.
A total of seven people have been charged with crimes that were reported in Aiken, Barnwell, Columbia, Edgefield, Lexington and McCormick counties, according to a press release.
The arrests include: Tyler Keith Durden, 19, of Langley, charged with three counts of burglary in the first degree and six counts of breaking into a motor vehicle; Rodney Lee Anstett Jr., 18, of Gloverville, charged with burglary in the first degree, possession of cocaine with intent to distribute second offense, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute second offense, two counts of possession of schedule I-V controlled substance, second offense, possession of stolen property and possession of a stolen handgun; Matthew Blake Eustance, 22, of Gloverville, charged with three counts of burglary in the first degree and six counts of breaking into a motor vehicle; and Collin Bradford Smith, 19, of North Augusta charged with two counts of burglary in the first degree and five counts of breaking into a motor vehicle.
Also arrested were Avery Rick Atkinson, 20, of Gloverville, charged with two counts of burglary in the first degree and six counts of breaking into a motor vehicle; Whitney Lee Anstett, 19, of North Augusta, charged with one count of breaking into a motor vehicle, and Sydnie Jean Bell, 21, of North Augusta, charged with possession of stolen property, possession of a stolen handgun, possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute and two counts of possession of schedule I-V controlled substance, first offense.
The investigation is ongoing as there are numerous other cases that may be connected to these suspects, according to the release.
Anyone with information about any cases are encouraged contact the Aiken County Sheriff's Office at 803-648-6811 or CRIMESTOPPERS at 1-888-CRIME-SC.
Will Whaley is the crime and court reporter for the Aiken Standard. He is a native of Fayette, Alabama and graduated from the University of North Alabama in Florence, Alabama with a degree in journalism.
