The mug shots of nine suspects were displayed during an August 2009 press conference announcing the break-up of a theft ring that spanned 10 area counties. None of the suspects were from Anson County but Jason Braley, Tommy Lee Lilly, Jason Michael Ridenhour and Jaymes Dean Hartis were arrested in connection with thefts from Anson County homes.
These individuals arrested are believed to have been involved in hundreds of break-ins in 10 counties, including Anson. A multi-jurisdiction investigation lasted over a year and resulted in federal indictments last year.
“These individuals were fairly sophisticated," Sheriff Allen said. "They identified potential homes, did surveillance and operated in very organized teams.”
None of the defendants were from Anson County. Most were from Stanly County.
The sentencing of all nine defendants has now been completed; the last sentencing hearing was on Friday, Aug. 20. All entered guilty pleas and were sentenced to federal prison, based on their involvement and their criminal history. All were ordered to pay restitution and will be on supervised probation after completion of their federal prison sentences.
The following individuals were sentenced: Jason Dennis Braley, nine years, four months; Jason Michael Ridenhour, three years, 10 months; James Dean Gross Hartis, three years; Justin Mathew Rhodes, two years, five months; Tammy Omega Tyner, three years, three months; Gary Winston Sells; five years, 10 months; Billy Eugene Talbert II, five years, 10 months; Tommy Lee Lilly, eight years; and the individual considered the ring leader of the operation, Michael Chad Bowers, 27 years, two months.
Federal authorities will soon begin the process of releasing the firearms and other evidence back to victims and owners.
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