Man arrested after series of break-ins in Millbrook

A man was arrested in Millbrook and is accused of a series of break-ins at a church and two businesses.

According to Millbrook Police Chief PK Johnson, 27-year-old William Jefferies of the Town of Ariton in Dale County was charged with three counts of third-degree burglary, third-degree theft of property, two counts of fourth-degree theft of property, two counts of fraudulent use of a credit/debit card and third-degree malicious damage to property.

He is being held in the Elmore County Jail on $100,000 bail.

Johnson says officers responded to a burglary at a church in the 5900 block of Main Street on Aug. 9. He said someone broke in and stole a church debit card. Investigators determined the person had attempted to use the debit card at several businesses.

Two days later, police were alerted to another burglary, this time at a business in the 200 block of Deatsville Highway. Someone had broken in and stolen electronic devices.

The next day, police responded to a burglary reported again in the 200 block of Deatsville Highway. Someone had broken in and stolen a cash box with cash inside.

Johnson said detectives had identified a suspect they had recently encountered in another case and had linked that person, identified as Jefferies, to the crimes.

Today, police say they observed Jefferies driving a vehicle and stopped it. Johnson said investigators found and seized the stolen goods in one of the stores.

“From speaking with our investigators, I understand that it is very likely that additional charges will be brought against Mr. Jefferies as they continue their investigation. Our investigators were able to recover additional stolen property after completing their interview following his arrest,” Johnson said.

“When I looked at Mr. Jefferies' booking photo taken after his arrest, I noticed that the alleged offender was wearing a shirt with the words “Not Today” written across the front. While I believe he may have been a little random in his choice of clothing for today, it is certainly appropriate given his location and current circumstances. Because that is how our officers think when responding to and investigating crimes of this nature: NOT TODAY!

“Our citizens and the people who own and operate these businesses work very hard to make a living, provide services and make ends meet, only to have someone break into their business, steal their property and impact their insurance costs and their bottom line. Well, lucky or not, this shirt wins the award for most fitting shirt of the day. Not today, though!”