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Two arrested in burglary ring
JONATHAN EDWARDS
Johnathan Edwards of Ellabell is one of two arrested for burglaries during the past six months spanning five counties.

Two people suspected to have been involved in dozens of residential burglaries in the region are in custody following two search warrants executed by the Effingham County Sheriff’s Office.

After a six-month-long investigation, investigators executed the warrants at 52 Garland St. in Ellabell and 2110 Fort Argyle Rd. in Chatham County. Deputies arrested Jonathan Edwards and Marilyn Graves, both 22, of Ellabell.

Graves and Edwards are believed to have been involved in several burglaries over the past six months in Effingham, Bulloch, Bryan, Evans, and Chatham counties where items taken included televisions, jewelry, computers and other electronics. Investigators recovered dozens of items from Fort Argyle Road residence and currently are working to identify the appropriate victims.

"We had seen an increase in burglaries over the past six to seven months," Effingham Sheriff Jimmy McDuffie said. "A couple of our investigators followed up on several leads. We noticed it was all the same MO."

The Effingham County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Bulloch County Sheriff’s Office, Bryan County Sheriff’s Office, and Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department.

Graves and Edwards were arrested at the Ellabell residence and from that arrest, investigators developed evidence that led them to the home on Fort Argyle Road, where they numerous items.

"We received information that the suspects would be at the Ellabell address, and from there we got information that they lived at the Fort Argyle Road address and that’s where they stashed the stuff," McDuffie said.

Both Graves and Edwards are facing several charges including several counts of burglary, theft by receiving stolen property and criminal damage to property.

ECSO spokesman Detective David Ehsanipoor said the couple may be involved in a dozen burglaries in Effingham County and perhaps more than two dozen others in other counties.

This is an ongoing investigation and additional arrests are expected, according to the ECSO. The ECSO is working with law enforcement agencies in surrounding counties in the investigation.