Gang member admitted to burglarizing 3 north Columbus homes in same day, police say

An 18-year-old accused of being a “Zo’ Hannon” gang member allegedly admitted to committing three July 24 burglaries at north Columbus homes, according to testimony Tuesday in Columbus Recorder’s Court.

Thomas Farley pleaded not guilty to three counts of burglary, two counts of attempted burglary and one count of participation in criminal gang activity. He was ordered held in the Muscogee County Jail after being denied bond on multiple charges.

Judge Julius Hunter bound the case over to Superior Court.

Farley’s plea comes after Bobby Thomas, 20; Itavius Jones, 19; and a 16-year-old boy were arrested as suspects in the case. Officials identified all four individuals as members of the same criminal street gang.

Zohannon gang is a subset of the Gangster Disciples, which authorities named as the largest gang in Columbus.

Columbus Police Detective Jason Carden said the group burglarized one home in the 3100 block of Hatcher Drive and two residences in the 6800 block of Fawndale Drive on July 24. They were also accused of trying to breaking into a house in the 7100 block of Land Drive and the 1400 block of Lokey Drive.

Officials believe they may be linked to additional burglaries.

Columbus police said suspects in unrelated crimes reviewed surveillance videos of the incidents and identified all four co-defendants as a part of the burglary ring.

Farley was arrested Friday and questioned about the incident. He admitted to the three burglaries, but denied any involvement in the break-in attempts, Carden testified.

He also said he wasn’t a member of the “Zo’ Hannon” gang, according to police.

Attorney Alfonza Whitaker, who represented Farley, asked the public to remember that everyone is innocent until proven guilty.

This story was originally published September 19, 2017 at 4:38 PM with the headline "Gang member admitted to burglarizing 3 north Columbus homes in same day, police say."