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Oxley burglary update

04/15/2019

On May, 1, 2018, the Searcy County Sheriff's Department received a call from the Hwy. 66 Country Mart in regarding the burglary of the business. After arriving, officers observed the front window of the business was broken and there was a hole large enough for a person to gain entry.

Searcy County Sheriff Kenny Cassell stated while reviewing the surveillance cameras, a vehicle was seen passing the store, slowing down and stopping approximately a few yards from the business. A short time later, the surveillance camera shows two people attempting to gain entry into the business through the front door.

After unsuccessful attempts to pry the door open, one of the individuals breaks the window and gains entry and the other individual walks back to the vehicle and stays as the other individual allegedly steals property from inside the business.

On the same day as the burglary, items from the burglary were taken to Harrison, Harmon and Yellville. While one of the individuals was seen on surveillance cameras in these locations, he appeared extremely nervous and left the store. This person was identified as Jessie E. Fletcher, who is also known as Jessie Sears of Hot Springs. Although Fletcher/Sears has a Hot Springs address, he is originally from this area and known by law enforcement.

On Friday, April 5, Fletcher/Sears was arrested and charged with commercial burglary, Class C Felony; theft of property, Class D Felony; and being a habitual offender. During his interview with local law enforcement officials, he provided details of the events that occurred during the burglary in question.

On April 9, Cassell reported that the second suspect in the Oxley burglary had been identified and arrested. The second suspect, William Moppin, III of Hot Springs, was transported to the Searcy County Detention Center for an interview and warrant service.

During the interview with Searcy County Chief Deputy Dewayne Pierce and Searcy County Deputy Billy Cordell, Moppin confessed and relayed the events that took place during of the early morning hours of May 1, when the Hwy. 66 Country Mart in Oxley was burglarized.

Moppin was charged with commercial burglary, Class C Felony; and theft of property, Class D Felony.

UPDATE: On April 11, bond was set $5,000 each. Both are scheduled to appear in Searcy County Circuit Court on April 22.

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