FREDERICKSBURG, VA — Four 17-year-old Spotsylvania County residents have been charged in connection with a series of burglaries targeting local vape shops over a more than four-month period, according to the Spotsylvania Sheriff's Office.
Investigators allege the juveniles were involved in four separate break-ins between Feb. 25 and July 7 at vape shops in the Fredericksburg area of Spotsylvania County. The businesses targeted were located in the 10800 block of Falcon Drive, where two burglaries occurred, the 10200 block of Southpoint Parkway and the 10600 block of Courthouse Road.
The investigation began after deputies responded to the burglaries on Feb. 25, May 17, June 2 and July 7.
On July 14, detectives executed a search warrant at a Spotsylvania County residence connected to the investigation. According to the sheriff's office, investigators recovered a large quantity of vape products, smoking devices and other evidence believed to be connected to the burglaries.
Two days later, on July 16, detectives served additional search warrants at multiple residences in the county, where they allegedly seized more vape products and other evidence tied to the investigation.
Investigators said the evidence indicates the suspects were operating a criminal enterprise that sold merchandise stolen from the businesses.
Each of the four 17-year-old suspects was charged with:
All four juveniles were taken to the Juvenile Detention Center. Because they are juveniles, the sheriff's office did not release their identities.
The investigation remains active, and the sheriff's office said additional charges could be filed.
Anyone with information about crimes in Spotsylvania County can contact Crime Solvers at 800-928-5822 or 540-582-5822, submit tips online through P3Tips or Spotsylvania Crime Solvers, or use the P3Tips mobile app.
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