VIRGINIA — Three people have been arrested following a series of break-ins in Caroline County that led to the theft of furniture and numerous smoking devices, according to authorities.
Deputies with the Caroline County Sheriff’s Office made the arrests on Wednesday, April 29, as part of an ongoing investigation into two separate burglaries.
The first incident occurred at Tobacco Villa on Fredericksburg Villa, where a significant number of smoking devices were reported stolen. Shortly afterward, a home in the Milford area — which was unoccupied and listed for sale — was also broken into, with furniture taken from inside.
Investigators, led by N. Notgrass, reviewed surveillance footage from the business and interviewed nearby residents, which helped identify a possible suspect. Authorities then tracked the suspect to a residence on Fairmont Avenue in Richmond, where some of the stolen furniture was reportedly seen inside the home.
A search warrant was executed at the residence, where deputies recovered the stolen furniture and smoking devices. Authorities also located three firearms, a large quantity of ammunition and suspected methamphetamine.
Three individuals were arrested following the search: 19-year-old Joseph Vernon Mills III of Caroline County, 20-year-old Zachary Steven Cobbett of Maine and 29-year-old Blake Steven Ritter of Maine.
All three are charged with two counts of breaking and entering, as well as grand larceny, petit larceny and conspiracy to commit a felony. They are currently being held without bond.
“This case highlights the persistence and dedication of our investigators, who worked diligently to identify those responsible and recover stolen property for the victims,” Caroline County Sheriff Scott Moser said in a statement. He also credited cooperation from the Richmond Police Department and community members for assisting in the investigation.
The investigation remains ongoing.
