KCSO assists in multi-regional theft and burglary investigation

Members of the Kerr County Sheriff’s Criminal Investigations Division, Special Response Team, Warrants Division, Patrol Division, and Digital Forensics Unit worked alongside members of DPS Narcotics, Ingram Police Department, DPS Highway Patrol (Gonzales), Secret Service, the Kerrville Police Department CIU, and a canine associated with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, to conduct a series of investigations involving burglaries throughout several counties in the Hill Country.

The alleged burglaries and thefts occurred during the month of February. Law enforcement officials seized firearms, ammunition, a firearm suppressor, 7.7 grams of methamphetamine, along with various collectibles such as silver, rare coins, rare comic books and rare collectible figurines after searching multiple locations.

Arrest warrants for burglary were issued for the following individuals: Bayron Baize; Michael Jeffrey McCollum; Billy Wayne Paine III; and Tom Hunter Ransleben. Charges may be added or modified prior to trial, and all suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

“It’s troubling to see organized criminal activity like this in our community. Our CID team stayed after this case and worked well with our law enforcement colleagues to stop this criminal activity,” said Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha. “Anyone who has been a victim of theft knows it’s not just the value of the items in question, but peace of mind that is also taken,” Leitha added.