TENNESSEE — Deputies in Sale Creek recovered approximately $10,000 worth of stolen Christmas presents Tuesday evening and arrested a suspect in connection with a residential burglary, according to the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities said a family living on Leggett Road reported a burglary just after dark Tuesday after discovering someone had entered their home through a window near a rear door. The family reported several items stolen that had been purchased for Christmas morning, including three television sets, children’s toys, shoes, and a Husqvarna zero-turn lawn mower.
Investigators said deputies were able to quickly trace the stolen property to a residence on Detour Road, located about five miles from the victim’s home. When deputies arrived at the location, they observed stolen children’s toys in plain view in the front yard and in the bed of a pickup truck.
Deputies obtained a search warrant and recovered all of the stolen items, officials said.
As a result of the investigation, deputies arrested 31-year-old Derrick Sean Starnes. He was charged with aggravated burglary, burglary, felony vandalism, and felony theft.
The recovered items were returned to the family. The investigation has concluded.
