Two charged in eastern county break-ins

Two people were arrested after a string of burglaries in eastern Prince William County.

The man and woman now behind bars face two counts each of burglary and grand larceny for two of the more than 20 reported burglaries that have unnerved the Southbridge, Brittany and Ashland neighborhoods, said Prince William police spokeswoman Erika Hernandez.

Late last month, police received reports of several home break-ins that left homeowners and residents without items such as purses, jewelry, video games and video game systems, laptop computers, cell phones, iPods, house keys, GPS units, school bags and cash.

Police also received reports of attempted break-ins in the same neighborhoods.

The majority of break-ins occurred between 9 and 11 a.m., while the attempted burglaries happened between 1:30 and 11 a.m., according to a notice distributed by Prince William police to the president of a local homeowners asso-ciation.

In the letter, police said they suspected the burglars were using a pry tool to open doors to get in the homes. In some incidences, police said, the burglars may have used a knife to cut through window screens.

They also issued warnings, telling residents to leave lights on, keep doors locked and not to investigate any suspicious activity. Police said it is better to hide in a safe room and call for help.

It took three weeks for police to develop the identity of one of their burglary suspects, and Tuesday warrants were obtained for Clarence Everett Jones Jr.  They believe the 27-year-old was behind a burglary that took place Aug. 30 in the 16700 block of Ostenbury Court in Dumfries.

Two GPS units and a power cord with a combined value of $680 were stolen from the home, said Hernan-dez.

On Thursday, Prince William police, as well as members of the U.S. Marshal's Fugitive Task Force, went to Everett's apartment, at 3106 Chesapeake Drive, Apt. 101, and carried out the search warrant. While there, they arrested him as well as 28-year-old Leah Jean Nuin, who also lives at the apartment.

Afterward, Everett and Nuin were both charged in another burglary on Sept. 8 in the 5800 block of Fincastle Drive in Dumfries. A laptop computer, a watch and a check belonging to the victim were taken, said Hernandez.

Both were held without bond and are scheduled to appear in court on Nov. 20.

Staff writer Uriah A. Kiser can be reached at 703-878-8065.