Two men charged with string of burglaries

SEVIERVILLE — Area law enforcement agencies have arrested two men they believe are linked to a number of bank machine thefts in Sevier County during the past two months. David Louis Way, 35, and Jacob C. Green, 23, both of Sevierville, were apprehended early Sunday morning at a residence on Snap Road in Sevierville and charged with four counts of burglary, two counts of felony theft, one count of vandalism — all felonies, and also with criminal trespassing, a misdemeanor. The two men have been accused of burglarizing three bank machines from Sevierville and another from Pigeon Forge. According to the Sevier County Sheriff’s Department, Green confessed to the crimes he has been charged with shortly after he was apprehended. The total dollar amount of the thefts and the property damage the men are accused of has yet to be determined, but early reports indicate that it will be several thousands of dollars. The sheriff’s department estimates that $19,200 was taken from an ATM allegedly stolen from Sammy’s Auto Parts located at 3177 Newport Highway in Sevierville. More than $30,000 was allegedly stolen from an ATM machine the men took from Claybough’s Market located at 405 Wears Valley Road in Pigeon Forge. The men are also accused of stealing money from a cash register and unsuccessfully trying to break into both the safe and an ATM located at the Black Bear Market in Sevierville. Less than a week ago, the two men allegedly broke into Governor’s Crossing Hotel in Sevierville and attempted to steal another bank machine, but failed again. Multiple law enforcement agencies including the Sevier County Sheriff’s Department, Sevierville Police Department, Pigeon Forge Police Department, Gatlinburg Police Department and even the National Parks Service worked as a team to locate and apprehend the suspects. “I think what makes this a success was that everybody was working together,” said Sevierville Police Chief Don Myers. Sevier County Sheriff Bruce Montgomery said this is first time so many law enforcement agencies have come together for a common purpose. “I’m proud of every agent who stepped up to the plate and got these guys caught,” he said. Sevier County Sheriff’s Captain Randy Parton said law enforcement agents from all over the county worked around the clock to keep these men under constant surveillance before making the arrest. Despite some of Green and Way’s failures, several law enforcement agents said these two men demonstrated skill and planning at their task. Green was arraigned in Sevier County Court Tuesday and his bond was set at $250,000. Way was released on parole for aggravated assault and aggravated burglary in November by the State Parole Board. His bond has not yet been determined. Both men are currently incarcerated in the Sevier County Jail. Captain Parton said the investigation is ongoing and additional charges may be filed against the two men or possibly others who may be involved.