From The Tribune staff reports
LEEDS — Police here arrested four people on burglary, identity theft and drug charges earlier this week.
Officers responded to a vandalism call in the 1900 Block of Courson Court and began an investigation into the theft of multiple catalytic converters and other property. The investigation led Leeds Police Officers to the 5700 Block of the Oaks of St. Clair Circle where police report that they recovered thousands of dollars of stolen property and financial documents.
Leeds Police officers arrested four people on multiple charges that included burglary, possession of burglary tools, theft from vehicles, unlawful possession of methamphetamines, drug paraphernalia, heroin, identity theft and trafficking in stolen identities
The individuals and their charges are listed below:
Zackery Smith, 28, of Pell City, for Theft from a vehicle, Possession of Burglary Tools, Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamines, Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Possession of Marijuana. This Defendant has a $23,000 Bond
Michael Spidle, 31, of Leeds, for Theft of Article for a Vehicle, Possession of Burglary Tools, Burglary, and Unlawful Possession of Heroin. This Defendant has a $21,000 Bond.
Joshua Bersanti, 31, of Moody. for Theft of Article for a Vehicle, Possession of Burglary Tools, Burglary, and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. This Defendant has a $18,000 Bond. Emily Atkins, 27, of Moody, for Trafficking in Stolen Identities, Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamines, Identity Theft and Unlawful Possession of Marijuana. This Defendant has a $62,000 Bond.
“I am very appreciative of the actions of our officers,” said Leeds Police Chief Paul Irwin. “They do a great job everyday investigating criminal activity and finding individuals who are committing criminal activity in our city. This has been a continuous problem in our community and across our country where individuals are committing identify theft and stealing catalytic converters. With the dedication by officers and technology, we will continue to focus on the apprehension and prosecution of these individuals.”
Officers recovered a large amount of stolen property, some of which has been returned to some of the victims. Police here request that anyone who may have property that has been taken in a theft to please contact the Leeds Police Department.