Police have made an arrest in connection with several area thefts.

Maurice K. Garrett Jr., 18, of Cape Girardeau was charged with two counts of second-degree burglary, four counts of stealing, two counts of first-degree burglary, one count of second-degree robbery and one count of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, all felonies; and two counts of misdemeanor receiving stolen property.

About 11 a.m. Wednesday, a Cape Girardeau police officer conducted a vehicle stop, according to a news release from the police department. The vehicle and its occupants were suspected of being involved in several burglaries in recent months, the release said. In the vehicle, officers found what they believed was marijuana.

Garrett was taken into custody and charged after an investigation.

Cpl. Darin Hickey of the Cape Girardeau Police Department said the original incident, a robbery, occurred Dec. 31.

"Investigations do take time. ... When these investigations play out over time, that's when we're able to get multiple charges at once," Hickey said. "It's not as quick as we hope for sometimes, but we're always looking forward," looking for the next piece of evidence they hope will lead to an arrest.

Garrett is in custody at the Cape Girardeau County Sheriff's Department. His bond has been set at $20,000 cash only for the burglary, stealing and robbery charges, with an additional bond of $17,500 cash or surety for possession and receiving stolen property, the release said.

kwebster@semissourian.com

388-3646

Pertinent address:

Cape Girardeau, MO