published: Friday, February 15, 2013

HCSO and Sebring PD break up burglary ring

By CHRISTOPHER TUFFLEY

christopher.tuffley@newssun.com

LAKE PLACID -- If they are guilty as charged, three dangerous men are in custody, the Highlands County Sheriff's Office announced Thursday afternoon.

Two brothers - Akeem Wilson, 25, and Andre Wilson, 20 - and Eric Kendrix, 28, are suspected in a string of burglaries in the Leisure Lakes area and on Lake June Road. The break-ins began in September and continued through October, according to Nell Hays, the public information officer for the HCSO.

In total, the men together or singly are thought to be responsible for 16 burglaries. The trio is being held in connection with the robbery of Bob Evans Restaurant, and Kendrix and Andre Wilson were arrested by Sebring Police for the robbery of Pizza Hut in Sebring. In addition to the burglaries, all three face more than 50 other charges, including damage to property and criminal mischief.

Akeem Wilson is being charged with five of the burglaries independently, and along with his brother for another nine as a duo. Andre Wilson is also charged with one additional burglary individually.

All three suspects are charged with yet one more burglary that they allegedly participated in together making a total of 16.

All three have records. Charges against Andre Wilson and Kendrix include charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

The three were already in custody when the burglary and other charges were brought against them.

"These guys are responsible for disturbing the lives of many of our residents," Sheriff Susan Benton said, "causing fear and stealing their belongings. Our law enforcement personnel deserve praise for their tenacity in tracking down these guys."

Benton added team work was responsible for the arrests.

"Working with the Sebring Police Department (which was investigating the restaurant robberies) together making these cases and putting these criminals behind bars where they belong."

Benton goes on to say, "Detective Brett Hinkle was assigned lead detective on most of these cases, therefore, even with all of the help, he had to do the yeoman's work; paperwork that is! Thank you, detective."