MARTINSBURG, W.Va. — A suspect is now under arrest following a string of breaking and entering cases in the city of Martinsburg.
The Martinsburg Police Department reports Joseph Long, 19, has been charged with 13 counts of Breaking & Entering, 4 counts of Grand Larceny, along with 3 counts of Conspiracy (to commit associated crimes) all of which are felony charges.
Over the last few months, beginning in December, several downtown businesses were broken into, including Habaneros, Las Trancas, Rosemont Elementary, Martinsburg Thai, Angelo’s Pizza, Peking restaurant, Habaneros, Slayed Hair Beauty Salon, Kwik Check, Boost Mobile, Thai Finn, and El Mercadito.
Investigators say the suspect was looking for cash he could obtain quickly and leave. He did not get money in every instance, but did in most.
Police say the suspect hit during the night and used items to break windows and gain entrance.
Long was arrested on Feb. 23 by the Eastern Panhandle Drug and Violent Crimes task force for charges unrelated to these B&E’s. After given his Miranda Warnings. Mr. Long allegedly confessed to some of the Breaking and Entering’s.
In his confession details he gave matched information which officers had already obtained from responding to the various scenes and the follow up that officers have done. However, it is our belief that he did minimize some of the details of the crimes in his confession. Further details will be worked out in court.
Police say there may be other persons involved in these B&E’s. Anyone with information regarding these crimes is urged to contact the Martinsburg Police Department at 304-264- 2100 or contact the Berkeley County Crime Solvers at 304-264-2100.