One suspect charged in multi-county burglary bust

UPDATE: Stephan Whelan has been charged with receiving stolen property and possession of up to 35 grams of marijuana in connection with a number of recent burglaries.

Court documents say Whelan was one of five suspects arrested Thursday night in Cole County.

According to the probable-cause statement, Whelan admitted his participation in several burglaries and that many of the stolen items were traded for methamphetamine.

He also consented to a search of his home, where deputies say they found stolen electronics and other items.

The value of the stolen goods was more than $500, according to court documents.

ORIGINAL STORY: Five suspects are now in custody after Cole County deputies spotted their vehicle Thursday night.

Cole County Sheriff Greg White released a statement Friday morning, saying the investigation led deputies to a home in which stolen TVs, laptop computers, electronic tablets, jewelry, firearms, cameras and numerous miscellaneous items were recovered.

“Deputies and detectives worked with deputies from Cooper, Moniteau and Miller counties,” White said. “I take this time to thank those offices and the involved deputies. We do best when we work well together.”

White said the department filed charges of failure to register a motor vehicle, burglary, receiving stolen property, possession of a defaced firearm and numerous drug violations.