Seven Arrested For Burglaries

Seven people were arrested in Van last week after the group was found to be responsible for several vehicle burglaries, burglary of a habitation and a burglary at Van High School at the end of last school year.

Those arrested included Cameron Martin Ray, 19; Katie Elizabeth Short, 19; Robert Clinton Couch, 18; Nathan Proctor, 17; Kameron Korges, 20 and Adam Tate, 17.

Van Police Chief Kelly Smith said that during the night of August 20 and the early morning of August 21 several cars were broken into in the area of Washington, East Pennsylvania and Briarwood Streets.

Smith said multiple items were taken from the vehicles including a DVD player, movies, credit cards and cash. A DVD player and 42" plasma TV were taken in the burglary of a habitation.

"Most of the vehicles were unlocked. The suspects just opened the doors and got in," said Smith.

"We still have property at the police department that needs to be identified. Anyone in these areas who has property missing and has not filed a report or spoken to an officer needs to do so," said Smith.

Smith said members of the group are facing charges of engaging in an organized criminal activity, burglary of a motor vehicle, burglary of a habitation, credit card abuse, tampering with physical evidence, possession of a controlled substance and possession of marijuana.

The group was arraigned by Van Zandt County Justice of the Peace Precinct 4 Scott Shinn last Friday.