Ten Arrested For County Buglaries

Van Zandt County Constable Precinct 4, Pat Jordan, has made 10 arrests in connection with numerous burglaries across Precinct 1 and Precinct 4 of the county.

Jordan said the burglaries involved more than $250,000 in stolen property.

Jordan arrested Paul Shawn Larsen, Van, and has filed nine cases on him with offenses including burglary of a habitation, burglary of a building and theft.

"Larsen is responsible for several thefts of copper wire, as well as for theft of miscellaneous tools and appliances," said Jordan.

Jordan said the burglaries and thefts were in the Van and Ben Wheeler areas.

Jordan said that another 31 burglaries and thefts were cleared with the arrests of nine suspects.

Arrested were:

-Justin Slavens, Grand Saline.

-Brian Meroney, Fruitvale.

-Justin Thompson, Corinth.

-Ashley Boyd, Mesquite, formerly of Grand Saline.

-Ray Watson, Grand Saline.

-JD Watson, Grand Saline.

-Quincy Smith, Jamestown.

-Todd Sain, Van.

-Joey Grier, Quinlan.

"The only one involved and not arrested yet is Brian Curtis," said Jordan.

Jordan said that he has filed 80 cases with the Van Zandt County District Attorney’s Office and expects to file about 10 more.

"There have been a lot of burglaries cleared and I have been working on these cases since June 15. It takes a while to get a case ready. I want to have everything in line so that these suspects are convicted," said Jordan.

Jordan said numerous 4-wheelers, trailers and miscellaneous tools have been taken.

Jordan said that with the amount of stolen property in the area, citizens should be aware of merchandise bought from an individual.

"If you have bought something from an individual and have any suspicions regarding the item, please call. There is property that we are still looking for," said Jordan.

Jordan said that citizens should do things to make their home and property safe.

"Install security systems in your home if possible. Conceal as much of your property as possible. Don’t leave your 4-wheelers and trailers out by the road," said Jordan.

Jordan said that he has been in law enforcement since 1980 and only seen one successful burglary in which the victim had a security system in place.

"Citizens need to be aware of their surrounding. Be good neighbors. If you see suspicious vehicles, get a license plate and description of the vehicle if possible," said Jordan.

Jordan said that he has been working with the Van Police Department and officials from Smith County.

"Some of these burglaries that have been cleared are because of information sharing. This is a prime example of why agencies should work together," said Jordan.