Arrest made in four-county burglary ring; estimated $200,000 in goods recovered





Sam Guy

Sam Guy

A Waynesboro couple was arrested for their alleged role in a burglary ring that encompassed four counties.

Samuel Cullen Guy, 21, and Tina Ronette Gray, 41, both of 511 Pine Needle Road, were arrested Sept. 28 on three counts of burglary each, and Burke County investigators say at least two more charges are forthcoming.

Robert Lynch of Augusta was also arrested for his involvement in the ring, as was Gray’s sister Marci Renee O’Bryan, 44, who was charged with theft by receiving stolen property (felony) and obstructing or hindering a law enforcement officer.

According to Capt. Frankie Parker of the Burke County Sheriff’s Office, the couple is believed to be responsible for five local burglaries including a home on Quaker Road, another on Story Mill and Four Points roads and a cargo trailer parked nearby. The couple allegedly burglarized the Waynesboro Church of God and Greenbranch Baptist Church as well.

Guy, Gray and Lynch will also face charges for the burglary of Magnolia Country Club outside of Millen and burglaries in Richmond and Columbia counties.

Tina Gray

Tina Gray

“They had so much stolen stuff you couldn’t have fit it in an 18-wheeler,” Capt. Parker said, estimating around $200,000 in recovered goods.

Last week, officers searched the couple’s Waynesboro home as well as other homes in Columbia and Richmond counties after receiving an anonymous tip that they’d been selling stolen goods.

Seven agencies are involved in the investigation of the burglary ring including the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Georgia Bureau of Investigations (GBI) offices in Statesboro and Thomson.

As of Tuesday at press time, eight suspects had been arrested for their involvement in the burglary ring, but investigators say they expect more arrests and more charges as evidence is collected.

“Indications are there’s going to be more to it,” said Gary Nicholson, special agent in charge of the Thomson GBI office.

Marci O’Bryan

Marci O’Bryan

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