Three former residents of Homestead Circle who returned on July 23 to get items they left behind when they moved out about two months ago, stole two pieces of jewelry belonging to the homeowner.

Deputies responded to the residence and found damage in several areas and also personal belongings destroyed. In a bedroom a glass bottle resembling a Molotov Cocktail was found by the deputies. The bottle contained a liquid that had the odor of paint thinner or PVC pipe cleaner and a cloth rag was stuffed into the bottle’s neck.

19-year-old Jordan B. Dove, 19-year-old Aarron Chayse McElfresh Jr., and 18-year-old William Scott Cassoday were arrested Wednesday on felony counts of aggravated burglary, having a prohibited weapon, and attempted arson.

They were being held in the Bradley County jail without bond.

Jordan B. Dove

Aarron Chayse McElfresh Jr.

William Scott Cassoday

A case where 11 cows were rustled from a pasture at the intersection of Chestuee Road and Gatlin Road has been solved by the Bradley County Sheriff’s Office.

An intensive investigation by property crimes detectives resulted in Dustin Chad Hutson being charged with theft over $1,000 - cattle rustling.

The cows were taken July 12th and reported to the BCSO as having a value of $3,000.

A "police beat" article in the Cleveland Daily Banner with details of the theft played a role in giving investigators new information that ultimately helped solve the theft.

A man who purchased 11 head of cattle several days earlier saw the article and contacted the criminal investigations division to ascertain if the cows he bought were the ones that had been stolen.

He told investigators that he met a man pulling a cattle trailer with an SUV at a retail parking lot where he was making adjustments to the trailer. They agreed to a purchase price of $3,000 but a family emergency forced him to leave hurriedly and his brother completed the transaction.

Through additional investigation which included interviews with several people Hutson was identified as the person that sold the cows. A warrant for his arrest was issued through the General Sessions Court.

Hutson is currently being held in the Polk County jail for probation violation and will be moved to the Bradley County jail following release.

Sheriff Tim Gobble said the newspaper article, which points out the importance of maintaining good media relationships, gave investigators a break in the case that ultimately resulted in the identification of a suspect and recovery of the cattle. Sheriff Gobble and Det. Capt. Steve Lawson expressed appreciation and commended the citizen who voluntarily came forward with information about potentially stolen property knowing it could result in a substantial financial loss.  
         

Dustin Chad Hutson photo taken 2 years ago

An investigation by property crimes detectives at the Bradley County Sheriff’s Office led to the arrest of a suspect Tuesday in a home burglary on Hidden Forest Drive.

On November 3, 2009 the homeowner discovered 4 video game consoles and several games missing and reported the theft to BCSO patrol officers.

The case was assigned to a detective for additional investigation and as a result warrants were issued for 19-year-old Dakota Wade Farris.

Farris, of a Green Drive address, has been charged with aggravated burglary and theft over $500. 
        

Dakota Wade Farris