Suspect in burglary ring pleads not guilty
A 20-year-old man who authorities said is associated with a burglary ring that targeted 18 business burglaries pleaded not guilty Tuesday in Columbus Recorder’s Court.
Antonio Dunbar, one of four arrested in connection with the rash of incidents, faces one count each of first-degree burglary and second-degree burglary.
Columbus police identified the suspects as two juveniles, ages 14 and 15, as well as Horatio Lamont Venable, 20, and Christian Clay, 19, who pleaded not guilty in Recorder’s Court on May 19 to burglary charges.
More arrests are expected, though police declined to provide more details pending further investigation.
Authorities said Dunbar, Venable and the juveniles were involved in the May 12 burglary at the Crazy Cecil’s Party Shop at 3217 River Road, where lottery tickets were taken. The next day, Dunbar and the other four apprehended suspects committed a burglary at the Best Pawn Shop at 4315 Holly Ave., authorities testified.
The other businesses targeted in the rash of incidents include the Majik Market at 4509 Reese Road and the Zeb’s Seafood & Chicken at 5120 Warm Springs Road.
Judge Michael Cielinski ordered the defendant held in the Muscogee County Jail without bond. The case was bound over to Superior Court.
Sarah Robinson: 706-571-8622, @sarahR_92
This story was originally published June 7, 2016 at 1:51 PM with the headline "Suspect in burglary ring pleads not guilty."