Arrests made in connection with burglaries at businesses

COLUMBIA — Four people were arrested Thursday night after the Boone County Sheriff's Department served two search warrants in connection with numerous burglaries Thursday morning at an east Columbia office complex.

Deputies responded to burglary reports at Magnus Enterprises, a large office  complex at 620 Trade Winds Parkway , said Detective Tom O'Sullivan of the  Sheriff's Department.

“Three offices had property stolen, but there were close to 10 where someone got in, ransacked the place but didn’t appear to take anything,” O’Sullivan said.

O'Sullivan said property was stolen from Alexander Forrest Investments LLC, Rent 1st and Spicy Packets offices. He said the burglaries occurred sometime between 5:45 p.m. Wednesday and 8 a.m. Thursday.

O'Sullivan said that a stolen debit card was used at a local business and that surveillance tapes led to search warrants at 4609 and 4611 E. St. Charles Road.

Deputies recovered approximately $5,000 worth of stolen electronics, computer equipment, office equipment and a flat screen TV while serving the search warrants, according to a Sheriff's Department news release.

“We think we’ve recovered a good part of the property,” O’Sullivan said, noting that deputies are often given incomplete lists of missing items.

During the searches, deputies found marijuana in close proximity to a small child, who is with other family members at this time, O’Sullivan said.

“The investigation is continuing,” he said. “We’re exploring the possibility that others were involved."

The Sheriff’s Department arrested:

• Angela K. Clayton, 22, of 4611 E. St. Charles Road, on suspicion of receiving stolen property, four counts forgery, endangering the welfare of a child and distribution of a controlled substance. Bond was set at $18,500.

• Kelsey C. Skouby, 22, of 4611 E. St. Charles Road, on suspicion of receiving stolen property, endangering the welfare of a child and distribution of a controlled substance. Bond was set at $13,500.

Nathan A. Clayton, 21, and James L. Walters, 46, of 4609 E. St. Charles Road were also arrested on suspicion of possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. Bond was set at $1,000 each. O’Sullivan was not prepared to say if they were connected with the burglaries.