A yearlong investigation by the Bradley County Sheriff’s Office has cracked a two-state burglary and theft ring that is believed to be responsible for stolen property worth in the thousands of dollars.

A grand jury in Bradley County, meeting on October 17, indicted nine people on a variety of charges stemming from the thefts of five automobiles and burglaries at seven businesses and three homes.

Beginning as a joint effort between the Bradley County and Walker County Georgia Sheriff’s offices, a press release issued in December reported Georgia authorities recovered four all terrain vehicles, two utility trailers, a 16-foot construction trailer, and a cargo van that was stolen from Chase Air Systems in Cleveland.

Stolen property recovered by BCSO at that time included a jet ski, trailer, three vehicles, several guns and an assortment of jewelry.

Continued investigation identified nine suspects and stolen property that had been moved to as far away as Panama City Florida.

Sheriff Tim Gobble said this was a major burglary investigation.

"This investigation shows the level of cooperation that exists among law enforcement agencies in both states and that working together we were able to identify nine people who were stealing property that the citizens of Tennessee and Georgia had worked hard for. I hope this will serve as a reminder to anyone in the future who tries to use county or state lines to avoid detection and arrest," said Sheriff Gobble.

Businesses where burglaries and thefts occurred were: Lloyd’s Used Cars, Love Mobile Homes, Crusader Rentals, First Church of the Nazarene, George’s Pawn Shop, West Salvage, and Murphy Oil Company.

The nine suspects have been arrested in Bradley County or are in custody in other jails where they are being held on the recent charges.

Chad Turner, 31, Cleveland

Jason Wade Turner, 26, Riceville TN. In custody at Jonesboro Ark.

Christopher Lee Hicks, 33, In custody Gulf County Fla.

Jimmy Dale Lowder Jr., 30, Benton TN In custody in Georgia.

Kimberly Dawn Defriece, 40, Cleveland.

Amanda Elaine North, 27, Cleveland.

Edward Doyle Thompson, 31, Cleveland.

Brandon D’Shea Gash, 35, Cleveland.

Willie James Hayden III, 28, Cleveland. In custody in Hamilton Co.