Over the past weekend, several arrests were made on individuals suspected of committing burglaries and thefts in the area.

During the arrests Friday, on Skylar Duncan and Brittani Rufino, a search of the vehicle they had been driving led to the discovery of property identified as being stolen out of Labette County and Wilson County, Kansas.  

On Saturday, Travis Roberts and Jenny Stephenson were arrested during an alleged burglary of a rural Cherokee County home.  The motorcycle they were riding was found at the residence.  However, it was also discovered that a white Ford Explorer was parked approximately a mile away from the crime scene, which the suspects are also suspected of using.

A search warrant was executed on that vehicle and additional stolen property, some stolen nearly two months ago in Cherokee County, was discovered along with suspected burglary tools.

The Cherokee County Sheriff's Office continues to investigate these individuals, as do neighboring law enforcement agencies.  

And while the Sheriff's Office is not ruling out the possibility that some of these suspects may be involved in other recent thefts in Cherokee County, our investigation indicates that additional suspects are thought to be responsible for the recent string of burglaries.

Our primary investigative efforts are focused on those "at large" persons of interest.

However, the public's assistance is still needed.

We ask that residents continue to be alert and notify law enforcement of any suspicious activity in their neighborhoods.

We also ask that residents document or photograph their valuables, specifically jewelry, weapons and electronics.

Furthermore, the private reward being offered has increased to $7,000.00 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for the string of residential burglaries in rural Cherokee County.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office at 620-429-3992 or email at crimetips@columbus-ks.com.