SCOTT COUNTY SATELLITE TV BURGLAR CAUGHT

BENTON -- A man responsible for approximately 150 burglaries involving satellite television equipment in Southeast Missouri has been arrested, the Scott County Sheriff's Department said.

William E. Fields, 23, of New Madrid has been charged with first-degree burglary for six of the burglaries that took place in Scott County, Sheriff Bill Ferrell said. His bond has been set at $100,000.

Fields and others who worked with him had been breaking into rural homes during the day in Scott, New Madrid and Pemiscot counties over a long period of time.

The burglars would look for a satellite dish outside a residence, then knock on the door to see if anyone was home. If no one answered, Fields would kick in the door, Ferrell said.

The primary item stolen was satellite equipment, particularly cards from satellite receivers.

Earlier this week Fields had broken into the rural residence of a Scott County woman. The woman was at home when Fields knocked on the door, but she didn't hear him, Ferrell said. When the woman came out of her bedroom she found Fields in her living room. Fields tried to explain that he was searching for someone, and had entered the wrong residence, Ferrell said.

Deputies Bobby Sullivan and Bobby Penrod got a physical description of the man the woman had seen, as well as his car. With assistance from police in Sikeston, New Madrid and the Pemiscot County Sheriff's Department, the deputies were able to arrest Fields, Ferrell said.

Fields was identified by the woman in a lineup of suspects at the sheriff's department.

Much of the stolen goods have been recovered.

Arrests of others who assisted Fields in New Madrid and Pemiscot counties are anticipated, Ferrell said.