Franklin County man charged in connection with rural business burglaries

BENTON, Ill., (KBSI) — A 44-year-old Buckner man has been charged in connection with a series of burglaries that occurred at rural Franklin County businesses in late 2024 and early 2025.

Bryan F. Parks was charged May 21 with possession of burglary tools, three counts of burglary, three counts of theft and two counts of criminal damage to property.

The charges stem from an investigation by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, which responded to numerous reports of burglaries at rural businesses between December 2024 and January 2025.

The sheriff’s office was assisted in the investigation by the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office and the Illinois State Police Crime Scene Services.

Parks is considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.