A second Atlanta man is facing charges in connection to a string of smash-and-grab burglaries in North Hall County, officials said Tuesday.
Gary Stephens, Jr., 30, was arrested Monday at the Gwinnett County Jail for his role in three burglaries on Aug. 26, 2016, said Lt. Scott Ware, Hall County Sheriff's Office public information officer.
Stephens and as many as six other co-defendants allegedly broke into the Mount Vernon Market on Mount Vernon Road, the Stop-By convenience store on U.S. 129/Cleveland Highway and the Clermont Food Mart, also on U.S. 129/Cleveland Highway, and caused more than $500 worth of damage to each store and its merchandise.
He's accused of similar break-ins at gas stations in Buford and Sugar Hill, according to Gwinnett Police. On Aug. 10, 2016, Stephens allegedly forced his way into the Texaco Station on Buford Highway near Buford Drive, attempting to cut the wires to the store's alarm system in the process. Stephens is also linked to a break-in at a Citgo on Nelson Brogdon Boulevard the same day.
In both Gwinnett cases, it wasn't apparent if any merchandise was stolen.
Warrants were issued in Hall County for Stephens' arrest in July 2017.
Mario Pass was arrested Oct. 2017 for the same crimes in Hall County, plus a burglary at Ravion Enterprises on White Sulphur Road three weeks prior.
Stephens remained in the Hall County Jail without bond, at last report Tuesday afternoon.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2018/10/728995/second-suspect-arrested-for-2016-burglaries-in-north-hall