After months of investigation, police say they have arrested two people responsible in a multi-county crime spree. Clinton Hall, a 37-year-old from Mossy, and his alleged partner in crime, Vernon Estep, were caught early Friday morning after the Taco Bell in Smithers was broken into.
Police seized $2,500 in cash plus equipment – they say Hall is way beyond the average burglar.
"When I say professional, [I mean] he's not out breaking windows," says Chief Deputy Mike Fridley of the Fayette County Sheriff Dept. "It's… planned out very well. He's using good tools, using masks, wears gloves."
Investigators accuse Hall of stealing more than $50,000 and using the money to buy drugs. He is a suspect in 11 robberies in Fayette, Boone, Raleigh, and Kanawha counties. Police have been tracking the two men for several months.
"They all have the same mode of operation… How they got in, what they did when they got in, what they took," says Fridley.
Police say the break-ins started in July at the Custard Stand in the Lochgelly area. They tell WVVA News, even though they have their suspects in custody, their investigation doesn't stop now.
"He's caught, but there's still more pieces to the puzzle to make it complete. Then all charges will be brought up against him, and he'll be indicted," says Fridley.
If convicted of all the charges in Fayette and Boone counties thus far, Hall could be facing up to 60 years in prison.
