Man arrested in series of burglaries in Millbrook

A man has been arrested in Millbrook, charged with a series of burglaries at a church and two businesses.

According to Millbrook Police Chief P.K. Johnson, 27-year-old William Jefferies of the Dale County town of Ariton has been charged with three counts of burglary in the third degree, theft of property in the third degree, two counts of theft of property in the fourth degree, two counts of fraudulent use of a credit/debit card and third-degree criminal mischief.

He is being held in the Elmore County Jail on a $100,000 bond.

Johnson says on August 9, officers responded to a report of a burglary at a church in the 5900 block of Main Street. He said someone broke in and stole a debit card belonging to the church. Detectives discovered that the person tried to use the debit card at several businesses.

Two days later, police again responded to a burglary report, this time at a business in the 200 block of Deatsville Highway. Someone had broken in and stole electronics.

The next day, police responded to a burglary, which was again reported in the 200 block of Deatsville Highway. Someone broke in and stole a cash box with money inside.

Johnson said detectives developed a suspect who they had dealt with on an unrelated case recently, connecting that person, identified as Jefferies, to the crimes.

Today, police say they observed Jefferies driving a vehicle, which they stopped. Johnson said detectives found and recovered the stolen property from one of the businesses.

“In speaking with our detectives, I understand that there is a very high likelihood of additional charges being filed against Mr. Jefferies, as they continue their investigation. Our detectives were able to recover additional stolen property after completing their interview with him following his arrest,” Johnson said. 

“In reviewing Mr. Jefferies’ booking photograph, which was taken following his arrest, I couldn’t help but notice that the alleged offender was wearing a shirt, which had the words “Not Today” written in its front. While I believe that he may have been a little fortuitous when deciding his wardrobe for today, it is most certainly fitting considering his location and current circumstances. Because, that’s the way our officers feel when responding to and investigating crimes of this nature, NOT TODAY!

“Our citizens and people that own and operate these businesses work very hard to make a living, providing services and making ends meet, only to have someone break into their business, stealing their property, impacting their insurance cost and bottom line. Well, fortuitous or not, that shirt wins the prize as most appropriate shirt of the day. Not today, indeed!”