Tuesday, October 27, 2009

3 Charged In September Home Invasion Robbery

Three people were arrested today in Georgia and charged in connection with an early September home invasion robbery in North Naples.

The Collier County Sheriff’s Office, the Georgia Bureau of Investigations and the Rabun County Sheriff’s Office located the suspects and took them into custody in Rabun Gap, Ga. They are currently being held in the Rabun County Jail.

Arrested were Thomas Edward Jeffries, 26; his brother, Tristian S. Jeffries, 24; and Jessica Nicole Jeffries, 23, who is married to Thomas Jeffries. All three are former Collier County residents who recently moved to Dillard, Ga. Each was charged with home invasion robbery with a firearm, aggravated assault on a person over 65 with a firearm, kidnapping, and grand theft.

Investigators say two of the subjects entered Virginia Visnich’s 429 Ridge Court in North Naples on Sept. 3, tied her up and took jewelry, gold and an undisclosed amount of money.

The crime involved multiple of crime scenes, and the Naples Police Department assisted in processing one of them.

Detectives ultimately connected the three subjects to the crime and obtained warrants for their arrest.


Original news release, posted Sept. 3, 2009:

2 Sought In North Naples Home Invasion

Deputies are looking for two men who conducted a home invasion robbery in North Naples on Thursday afternoon.

Reports give this account of what happened:

Virginia Visnich, 83, was confronted in her home at 429 Ridge Court home by two men shortly after 4 p.m. Thursday. The men were wearing all black and their faces were covered. One of them pointed what appeared to be a black pistol at her and demanded money. Once she gave them money they bound her wrists with zip ties, led her to a bathroom and shut her inside. When she believed the suspects had left the home she walked to a nearby residence and called for help.

Earlier in the day a suspicious vehicle was reported in the driveway of a home on the same street. Deputies believe that car, a black Cadillac four-door equipped with a police-style scanner, may be connected to this case.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Collier County Sheriff’s Office at 252.9300 or to remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-8477.