Clayton News Daily

Henry County Police have made additional arrests in a recent burglary at the Salem Baptist Church, and the alleged thieves are from the neighborhood.

Scott William Hammond Jr., and Jeremy Lee Chick, Sr., appeared in Henry County Magistrate Court Wednesday before Judge Robert L. Godwin.

Hammond, 21, and Chick, 19, were arrested Tuesday and charged with the burglary of the “Rock” building at the church located on Georgia Highway 155.

Police received a tip about Hammond and Chick attempting to sell some of the items over the Internet, said Henry Police Sgt. Joey Smith. Hammond and Chick are suspected of burglarizing the “Rock” building of Salem Baptist Church. The alleged burglaries occurred Thursday.

Three acoustic guitars, and a laptop computer were allegedly stolen from the “Rock” building, according to police.

“When confronted by detectives at their Jana Lane residence in McDonough, both cooperated and admitted to the burglary,” said Sgt. Smith. “All of the electronic equipment was recovered.”

Hammond and Chick waived their preliminary hearings in Henry County Magistrate Court. Godwin set a $25,000 bond each, and bound their cases over to superior court.

Earlier in the week, Caden Phillips and Ryan Rittberger were arrested after an alleged videotape of them stealing from the concession stand of the church was posted on Facebook by police.

“Surprisingly both burglaries occurred within approximately two hours apart,” continued Smith. “Both pair of suspects denied knowing each other.”

Church officials tallied the loss as more than $7,230 worth of merchandise, according to the police report. An estimated $150 in damage was done to one of the church doors.

Anyone with information on the burglaries is asked to call Henry Police Detective J. Davis at (770) 288-8251.