Three subjects are in custody this weekend after the Nacogdoches County Sheriff Office has searched two different residences in Nacogdoches. Sheriff Jason Bridges stated that the Sheriff Office has had an ongoing investigation into several burglaries that have occurred in the Woden and Melrose community over the course of the last two months.
Investigators and Deputies had collected several key components of evidence in these burglaries cases over the last several months to include Shoe Prints, and DNA from several houses. Investigators caught a break in the case last week, when a witness observed a suspicious vehicle leaving a residence in the Kingtown community last Thursday. Deputies on patrol later observed that vehicle on the loop in Nacogdoches, Texas. A traffic stop of the vehicle was conducted, which lead officers to identify a suspect in the case.
Sheriff Investigators were able to link the suspect to three different burglaries that occurred on Cr. 411, Cr. 302 and Cr. 556. After all the evidence was presented to the suspect, Sheriff Investigators obtained a confession from her. The suspect also confessed to four more burglaries, one in which is being investigated by the PCT. 4 Constable Office.
During the investigation, Sheriff Deputies obtained consent to search the suspect residence where Marijuana and prescription medication were found that did not belong to the suspect. Investigators were also able to identify two more suspects in the case. On May 16, 2013 around 2:00 am Deputies and investigators executed a search warrant at a residence located on Wells Street. Two suspects at the residence were later arrested. During the search, Deputies found counterfeit United States Currency, and equipment being used to conduct the counterfeiting. Also found were fake social security cards and identification cards. Investigators also seized several thousand dollars worth of tools that are believed to be stolen from a local store in Nacogdoches. Investigators are working with the store to confirm this equipment was stolen.
Cathryn Windham 34 years of age from Nacogdoches has been arrested and charged with six counts of burglary of a habitation a 2nd felony and five counts of possession of a dangerous drug and one count of possession of marijuana. Another charge for burglary of a habitation is expected to be filed by the Pct. 4 Constable Office on Windham.
Also arrested were Brian Hartman 34 years of age and Coulter Luce 32 years of age were both arrested for Forgery a 3rd felony and possession of marijuana a Class A Misdemeanor .
Sheriff Bridges stated that the motive behind the burglaries appears to be the stealing of prescription medicine from households. Although there were some jewelry and old coins that were taken out of one residence. The Sheriff Office has recovered the jewelry in the case and is still seeking to identify the location of the old coins.
Sheriff Bridges stated that more charges are likely to be filed when DNA results are obtained from the Crime lab on all three subjects in these case.
