Multiple arrested in Jefferson County burglary investigation

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ill., (KBSI) — Multiple people have been arrested following a burglary investigation involving stolen firearms in Jefferson County, according to the sheriff’s office.

The investigation stems from a March 27 burglary at Shroyer’s Tire in Woodlawn, where cash, firearms, ammunition and electronics were reported stolen.

On March 31, deputies arrested Travis Brock, 29, of Mount Vernon, on burglary and felony theft charges.

Authorities said search warrants were executed April 1 at two residences in Mount Vernon as part of the ongoing investigation. During the operation, Stewart Spilman, 46, was arrested during a traffic stop for possession of a controlled substance and later released.

At one residence, Michael Jones, 58, and Amanda French, 38, were taken into custody. At a second location, April Penrod, 42, was arrested.

French was cited and released for possession of methamphetamine, while Jones faces charges including armed violence, possession of stolen firearms and drug-related offenses. Penrod was arrested for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

Jones and Penrod were taken to the Jefferson County Jail and are awaiting pretrial hearings.

The investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges are possible. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.