By By Adam Prestridge
The investigation of a series of thefts spanning several weeks was solved this past weekend in Atmore, police said.
Flomaton resident Donnie Jason Victor, 27, was arrested at 5:40 a.m. Sunday and charged with two counts of third-degree burglary and theft for breaking into The Atmore Advance building located at 301 S. Main St. and stealing money out of the safe.
Atmore Police Department investigator Robby Williams said the officers who made the arrest did a first-class job in hemming up Victor in the building, capturing him and taking him into custody.
"I think the officers did an outstanding job," Williams said. "They responded in a timely manner and were able to apprehend him before he could get away."
A silent alarm system alerted dispatchers that an intruder had made entry into the Advance building at 5:36 a.m. Within minutes, officers had the building surrounded and made entry. Once inside, they captured Victor hiding in a back room.
Also arrested was Victor's girlfriend, Heather Jordan of Century, Fla., who was found inside the get-away car parked next to the building. Jordan was charged with conspiracy to commit burglary, which is a misdemeanor. She was released from the Atmore city jail later that day.
"He said he acted alone and had no assistance," Williams said. "He confessed to two of the thefts and the girlfriend that was with him said she has no knowledge of it."
According to Jordan, Victor told her that he delivered newspapers for the Advance and had access to the building. Victor would then pry the door open using a knife where he proceeded to steal money. Victor, who worked for the newspaper more than four years ago, admitted to Sunday's burglary and one previous burglary.
After officers took Victor into custody, they discovered that he was in possession of a moneybag containing an undisclosed amount of money, more than 20 newspaper rack keys and quarters. A search of his vehicle resulted in more quarters, another moneybag from a previous theft and a stack of Advance newspapers.
Following several thefts, Advance management installed security equipment including a silent alarm system and cameras in hopes of catching the perpetrator. The equipment proved to be the key in capturing Victor, who was also caught on tape opening the safe and removing items.
"We were able to solve this case because of the leads we had and the evidence provided," Williams said. "Cameras don't lie."
Victor remained in the Escambia County Detention Center in Brewton Tuesday afternoon. He is being held on a $30,000 bond, but also has a bond revocation.
The Atmore Police Department is still investigating other thefts that occurred in the area including numerous newspaper rack pilfering reports.