COUNTY — Two have been arrested in a string of business burglaries last Wednesday night in Pickens, Liberty, Norris and Pendleton.
Investigators with the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office have charged Jerry “Cotton” Raymond Gillespie, of 281 Dublin Lane in Pickens, with seven counts of second-degree burglary, nine counts of simple larceny and one count of malicious damage to property.
Robin Shanai Holden, of 269 Dublin Lane in Pickens, also faces seven counts of second-degree burglary, nine counts of simple larceny and one count of malicious damage to property.
The defendants also have pending burglary and simple larceny charges in Anderson County, deputies said.
According to the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office, several businesses were broken into either by breaking through doors or windows, with a variety of items stolen, including money, car batteries, a safe, car titles and business paperwork.
Businesses broken into included West Specialty Products and Blue Ridge Automotive on Gentry Memorial Highway, Harris Automotive on Moorefield Memorial Highway, Dyar’s Diner and Granny’s Kitchen in Pendleton, and Pam’s Used Cars, Margaret’s Restaurant, C&S Recycling, Harris Auto Parts and Enviro Mulch in Norris. There was also damage and property stolen at S&K Automotive and Monks Corner Cafe.
According to officers, there was some property dropped from the vehicle at one crime scene that revealed that the white Saturn automobile which the suspects were traveling in belonged Holden.
Further investigation showed that Holden was traveling with Gillespie, officers said.
Officers said citizen participation in the investigation was extremely important in the apprehension of Holden and Gillespie.