Suspects in Butler County burglaries arrested

Butler County authorities are seeking the rightful owners of property they recovered after the recent arrest of five local residents in connection with a string of burglaries.

The seven burglaries, as well as one theft, occurred in and around the Fisk, Mo., and Rombauer, Mo., areas June 27, according to Butler County Lt. Brian Evans.

During the investigation, officers recovered numerous electronic devices, including televisions, computers and cameras, as well as firearms, jewelry, tools and a pair of tennis shoes.

In some of the cases, investigator Kelly Thompson said, deputies were able to link the recovered items to their owners.

Only about half of the alleged victims were able to provide serial numbers for their property, Evans said.

Victims needing to identify property may do so by calling the sheriff's department beginning today and setting up an appointment with Thompson, Evans said.

Evans said the break-ins were similar in that they involved doors being kicked in when no one answered and electronics and firearms being stolen.

"We had a couple where a white Jeep Cherokee was seen in the area; that's what we started looking for," Evans said.

Police also received information that Aaron Lacy and Paula Lacy were involved in the burglaries, Evans said, and a confidential informant reported that Tommy Lynn Peterson had asked him if he "knew anyone that wanted any firearms."

Police also received information about where the suspects were staying, and where some of the stolen items were being kept, Evans said.

Peterson, Paula Lacy, Aaron Lacy, Jessica Leighann Carter and Lonnie Barriner were all arrested June 28.

Paula Lacy, 48, was charged with felony second-degree burglary. She is to appear July 19 for a preliminary hearing.

Aaron Lacy, 34, is being held without bond for parole violation and faces a felony charge for unlawful possession of a firearm, stemming from an earlier burglary.

Peterson, 26, also has been charged with felony second-degree burglary and is to appear July 16 for a preliminary hearing. He is being held without bond for parole violation.

Carter, 24, and Barriner, 57, were allegedly in possession of some of the stolen items and were arrested on suspicion of receiving stolen property.

Pertinent address:

Fisk, Mo.

Rombauer, Mo.