More arrests in burglary ring
Five more suspects have been arrested in connection with a recent surge of burglaries throughout Dane County, bringing the number of arrests up to 10 for burglaries at 29 different businesses.
Robert Soehle, 29, Dane, Patrick Wenger, 20, Lodi, Phillip Smith, 45, Madison, Nathan Mistele, 25, Madison and Tramaine Franklin, 20, Madison, were arrested by detectives assigned to the Blue Net Burglary Task Force, comprised of officers from local law enforcement agencies.
The first five suspects arrested included Gregg Pierce, 34, Madison, Silvan Fleming, 40, Madison, Richard Johnson, 39, Madison, Anthony Irby, 39, Madison, and Derrick Richards, 41, Middleton.
The initial five were also allegedly involved in exchanging stolen goods for crack cocaine at a crack house on Madison's southwest side. It wasn't noted in the sheriff's report if the second five arrested were also involved in the crack house.
At least 12 of the 29 businesses burglarized by the ring were taverns, where cash, alcohol and cigarettes were consistently taken, the sheriff's office report said.
Businesses listed by the Dane County Sheriff's Office as being hit by the burglars included the Super 8 Motel in the town of Windsor, Missouri Tavern in the town of Springfield, Quick Stop in the town of Dunn, JJ's Top of the Swamp in the town of Westport, YRLess Solution in the town of Westport and Dawg Day Grooming and Care in the town of Westport.
Other burglaries were committed at Grand Appliance in Fitchburg, the Brothers Main in Madison, two locations of American TV in Madison and the town of Madison, and Tony Frank's Bar and Wiggie's Bar, both in Madison.
