After a six-month investigation that spanned a handful of counties, a burglary ring has been shut down.

Grady County Sheriff Art Kell and Deputy Johnny Drewery began their investigation in May after a citizen in southwestern Grady County was burglarized multiple times. Kell said the "ring" of criminals was organized and cleared numerous homes of their valuable objects. One of the burglaries happened when a young boy was in his home. The child hid in the attic and was scared to death, Stephens County Sheriff Wayne McKinney.

"These were not amateurs," he said. "They were real professionals who could break into a home, taking everything of value in a matter of minutes, carefully to leave not trace of their identities."

Kell said that they had no leads, but cooperation with Stephens, Caddo, Comanche counties finally shed some light on the case that had gone cold.

One of the burglaries happened when a young boy was in his home. The child hid in the attic and was scared to death, Stephens County Sheriff Wayne McKinney.

Sterling Police Chief Mike Barker initially fingered Brandon Pendley as a suspect in another burglary. Barker could never pin anything on him, but an informant working with Stephens county gave them the information needed to write a warrant. Local law enforcement finally had their chance to put their thumb down.

"There for awhile we were running all over the place and investigating people," Barker said.

Pendley was questioned by Barker, to no avail. He was transported to Grady County in October and interrogated by Grady County investigators, where he finally confessed his involvement and rolled over on his accomplice, a Steven Ray Hicks of Duncan, Kell said.

At that time a warrant was issued for Hicks. Both Pendley and Hicks have outstanding warrants in Stephens and Comanche counties.

Hicks is on hold in Oklahoma County Jail. He was arrested on drug charges before being named a suspect in the string of burglaries.

"We've got a hold on him for a felony burglary and we're probably going to make four or five more," McKinney said.

Kell wanted to thank surrounding law enforcement agencies for their assistance.





in capturing these criminals. If any citizen has information or leads on any crime, they should call 222-1000.