BUNA, Texas — The Jasper County Sheriffs Office received a call early Tuesday morning at around 2 a.m. about a possible burglary happening at the abandoned Catholic Church off of 35194 US Highway 96 in Buna.
After deputies arrived, they say that they found a large roll of wire on the ground which the properties owner told them was not previously there.
After discovering the wire, deputies continued searching the building which lead to a deputy finding a man hiding in the attic where he promptly ordered the man down and arrested him.
After more officers arrived at the church, yet another man was found hiding in the attic where he too was ordered down and arrested. Both men suggested that there was also a third person involved in the planning of the burglary according to Jasper County Sheriffs Office.
After their arrest, Deric Blankenship, 36 of Buna and Steven Massey, 46 of Jasper were each charged with burglary of a building (State Jail Felony) as well as engaging in an organized criminal activity (3rd Degree Felony).
Both men were taken to Jasper County Jail, where they currently remain in custody.
The police are actively working to secure warrants for the alleged third person involved.
This is a developing story. We will update with more if and when we receive more confirmed information.
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