Bradley County Sheriff Tim Gobble and Cleveland Police Chief Wes Snyder today announced the end of an investigation that has resulted in the arrest of a suspect involved in 31 business burglaries.

Stephen Ray Simons

The series of burglaries and thefts that started on December 28, 2008 continued until March 3, 2009 resulting in a monetary loss in excess of $5,000. All of the thefts were at business offices and the offices of professionals including attorneys and doctors.

Detectives used the resources of the two agencies to identify and arrest a suspect, 23 year-old Stephen Ray Simons. He was placed in custody on Wednesday and is now charged with 31 counts of burglary, 18 counts of theft under $500, 2 counts of theft over $1,000, and 3 counts of theft over $500. They are in addition to prior burglary and theft charges that are still pending in Bradley County courts.

Sheriff Gobble said, "I want to commend BCSO Det. Sgt. Kevin White and CPD Det. Duff Brumley and others who provided assistance investigating the series of burglaries to businesses throughout the city and county. This shows the high level of cooperation that exists between the two criminal investigation units that have solved cases in the past involving multiple counts of burglary and theft."

Chief Snyder said, "Through hard work and mutual cooperation between the Cleveland Police Department and the Bradley County Sheriff’s Office, approximately 31 burglaries have been solved. We are pleased with the effort of our local law enforcement agencies and their commitment to enhance the quality of life in the City of Cleveland and Bradley County. Their perseverance to enforce the law provides our citizens the security of a safer community."

Simons is being held at the Bradley County jail without bond. He is scheduled for arraignment in General Sessions Court today (Thursday).