Three arrested in connection with Dogwood burglary

CHARLESTON, Mo. -- Three Mississippi County residents are in custody after a burglary investigation by the sheriff's department.

Kailyn Jill-Brooks Berberich, 19; Kyle James Bench, 20; and Alton Christopher Turner, 24, all of East Prairie, Missouri, are charged with second-degree burglary and felony stealing, each charge punishable by up to seven years in jail.

Mississippi County Sheriff Keith Moore said the investigation began Thursday afternoon when deputy Mike Borders was dispatched to an apparent burglary in the Dogwood community.

When he arrived, Borders met with a neighbor who said the homeowners were out of town and a window had been broken out overnight.

That evening, the victims returned home and reported property had been stolen from their home, ranging from fingernail polish to computers and expensive rifles, along with and an East Prairie High School cheerleader uniform.

During the course of the investigation, Borders learned Berberich had recently inquired about the victims' travel plans. Based on that information, Borders and deputy Marc Tragesser went to Berberich's residence in East Prairie, where they noticed a window screen identical to the one missing from the Dogwood residence leaning against the home. The deputies identified the tenants as Bench and Berberich.

When approached by the deputies, Bench reportedly offered to return his share of the stolen property and then consented to a search of his home. During the search, deputies recovered stolen property valued at more than $6,500.

Bench and Berberich were placed under arrest and transported to the Mississippi County Detention Center.

The following morning, Turner was arrested in Sikeston, Missouri, and turned over to the Mississippi County Sheriff's Department.

Pertinent address:

Dogwood, Mo.

East Prairie, Mo.