An open container of alcohol was the break the Statesboro Police Department needed to catch two men accused of a series of automobile break-ins.
    Corey Jake Conley, 18, was discovered early Sunday morning by Sergeant Tracy Atkinson of the Georgia Southern Department of Public Safety in the Eagle Village parking lot with an open container of alcohol. Sgt. Atkinson made contact with the defendant and found him to be in possession of several electronic devices, which were later found to be stolen from a vehicle at Southern Cove Apartments.
    On Sunday morning, Detective Keith Holloway executed a search warrant at the defendant’s residence and recovered numerous items that had been reported stolen along with other items that had not been reported. Holloway’s investigation led to the arrest of Conley’s brother, Johnny Warren Conley, 17.
    The Conley brothers have been charged with 23 counts of entering auto, possession of tools during the commission of a crime, credit card fraud, and fraudulently obtaining a controlled substance by theft. SPD Captain Scott Brunson said, in addition to the electronic equipment, the pair took prescription medicine bottles out of at least two automobiles. The two brothers also were found in possession of a number of RedBox DVD’s, which were purchased with credit cards taken from the vehicles.
As the investigation continues, officials expect to add more charges. Both defendants are currently being housed in the Bulloch County Jail awaiting further judiciary proceedings.
    Brunson said the rash of thefts began occurring in the Gentilly Drive area in early June. Brunson said the brothers are suspected in at least 30 break-ins that took place in the area over the two-and-a-half month period.
    According to Brunson, the SPD is asking all citizens in the Gentilly Drive area to check their vehicles to ensure that they have not had any properly stolen that may have gone unnoticed. Individuals wishing to report items stolen or wanting to share any other information regarding the cases are encouraged to contact Det. Holloway at (912) 212-2306.
    Phil Boyum may be reached at (912) 489-9454.