AMERICUS — The Sumter County Sheriff’s Office has made an arrest that hopefully clears several burglaries and thefts in the area.
Arrested was Cornelius Clark, 40, who is charged with numerous burglaries and thefts by deception, nine of which occurred in Sumter County, according to a press release from the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office.
The release says that Clark is originally from Sumter County but has been living in Henry County for “a period of time.” The sheriff’s investigation revealed that Clark was burglarizing churches in and around Americus, stealing electronic music equipment and other items of value. Similar church burglaries have occurred in five surrounding counties.
As of late last week, the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office had recovered several of the stolen items and expects to recover more. The release said taet Clark pawned many of the items in Albany, Cordele, Americus, Griffin, Stockbridge and McDonough.
Any agencies with church U.S. Highway 19 – Henry County to Americus are asked to contact the Investigations Division at 229-924-4094 or 229-389-1686.
— Beth Alston