Two metal theft suspects are behind bars and Bulloch County sheriff’s investigators are seeking a third after the owner of a Portal property interrupted a theft Tuesday.
    Sheriff Lynn Anderson said Charlene Necole Thomas, 31, of Jesup; and Edgar Charles Thomas Jr., 26, of Moore Road in Portal, were arrested after an Old Dill Road property owner arrived while the theft was in progress.
    The victim called sheriff’s deputies after finding a “pull-behind trailer on the property which did not belong to the victim, and which was apparently being used by the suspects to haul metal and automobile parts belonging to the victim to the scrap yard,” Anderson said.
    The suspects were not at the scene when deputies responded, but investigators worked with the company that owns the rented trailer, as well as a local metal recycling business, and were able to identify Charlene Thomas as the one who rented the trailer, the sheriff said. She was also identified as the one who “cashed in the stolen metal” at the recycling business, he said.
    Charlene Thomas was found driving a vehicle in the area and was taken into custody. Further investigation led to Edgar Thomas’ arrest, the sheriff said.
    “Deputies are currently seeking information on a third suspect who may have been involved as well,” Anderson said.
    Edgar Thomas is being held in the Bulloch County Jail without bond on charges of felony theft by taking, felony and misdemeanor theft by deception, criminal trespass and obstruction.
    Charlene Thomas is charged with felony theft by taking, felony and misdemeanor theft by deception, theft by conversion, criminal trespass, obstruction and probation violation.
    Anyone with information on the third suspect in this case may contact Deputy Jeff Thompson at (912) 764-1771.
    Anonymous tips may be emailed to tips@bullochsheriff.com.