Burglary investigation leads to 8 arrests

GAINESVILLE - Eight people have been arrested during burglary investigation in Hall County in which a large quantity of stolen items was recovered.

Sgt. Kiley Sargent of the Hall County Sheriff's Office says the break in the case came when a sheriff's deputy located a car believed use in one of the burglaries.

"Investigators responded to the scene and took into custody three Hispanic males," Sgt. Sargent said. "Victor David Zuniga, age 20, of Gainesville was charged with two counts of Burglary, Criminal Trespass and Loitering. Carlos Ruben Lopez, age 22, of Flowery Branch was charged with 2 counts of Burglary, Criminal Trespass and Loitering. Charges are pending on the third suspect."

Sargent added that after questioning the three, investigators were able to determine the location of a large amount of stolen property taken from several burglaries in the South Hall area.

"At approximately 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, investigators executed a search warrant at a residence in the 3900 block of Wakefield Drive in Flowery Branch. Inside the residence, investigators located various items ranging from electronics to jewelry."

Sargent said investigators are currently sorting through the evidence and attempting to determine the victims.

During the search, he said, five more people were arrested on various charges:

*Steven D. Key, 21, Flowery Branch, arrested for an outstanding Superior Court Probation Warrant.

*Jacob Hortman, 21, Flowery Branch, charged with one count of possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of Oxycodone with intent to distribute, possession of diazepam, drugs out their original container and possession of firearm while in commission of a felony.

*Christopher Boddie, 27, Oakwood, charged with one count of criminal attempt to purchase Oxycodone.

*Taylor McCullough, 19, Flowery Branch, charged with one count of criminal attempt to purchase Oxycodone and an outstanding warrant for underage consumption of alcohol.

*Grant Wright, 23, Gainesville, charged with one count of criminal attempt to purchase Oxycodone.

Sargent said more arrests are expected.