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6 arrested in connection with Kaufman County vehicle burglaries

04:36 PM CDT on Monday, April 28, 2008

By RICHARD ABSHIRE / The Dallas Morning News
rabshire@dallasnews.com

A two-week investigation into a string of vehicle burglaries in Kaufman County led to the arrests of five men and a woman on charges of engaging in organized criminal activity, the Sheriff’s Department announced Monday.

According to Sgt. Bryan Francis, the investigation looked into break-ins in the Kaufman and Scurry areas over the first two weeks of April that involved 13 victims and estimated losses of $20,000.

The charges are state jail felonies, punishable by six months to two years imprisonment and a fine of up to $10,000.

Jason Byrne, 26, Michaelynn Schwed, 24, and Michael Forney, Casey Lumpkin, Justin Elrod and Johnny Hinton Jr., all 17, were arrested.

Mr. Byrne, Mr. Forney, Mr. Lumpkin and Ms. Schwed remained in the Kaufman County Jail with bail set at $40,000 each.

Mr. Elrod and Mr. Hinton were released on $5,000 bonds.

None was immediately available for comment.

"Our biggest problem is property crimes like this," Sgt. Francis said. "We need the public's help and support by just doing simple things like not leaving valuables visible in a car and locking the doors.

“Don't leave laptops and cellphones lying out where they can be seen from outside. Put them in your trunk or glove compartment."

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