Staff Writer

City of Clemson police, working closely with Clemson University police, have solved a string of burglaries in the Clemson area and made four arrests, according to Major Robert Griffin of the Clemson Police Department.

Arrested and charged with second-degree burglary of First Baptist Church in Clemson were:

* Danny Lee Duke, 21, 915 Brock Street, Central, one count of second-degree burglary;

* Krystal Nicole Spears, 20, 910 Maw Bridge Road, Central, one count of second-degree burglary;

* Michael David Story, 19, 110B Martin Circle, Central, two counts of second-degree burglary;

* One 16-year-old juvenile whose identity is not released because of age, two counts of second-degree burglary.

Each count of second-degree burglary carries a penalty of not more than 15 years in prison, Griffin said. Griffin also said the investigation continues and that further charges are possible, including charges involving a series of thefts on the Clemson University Campus.

The arrests of the four suspects were related to two separate break-ins at First Baptist Church in Clemson, during which an estimated $15,000 to $20,000 in computers, monitors, audio equipment and cash were taken.

"We had two break-ins at the church within a week of each other" Griffin said. "The first time, there was no forced entry - they just went through an open door. The second time, they forced their way in and did some damage.

"Fortunately, it turned out well for us," he said. "We're fortunate to catch them."

Griffin said the key to breaking the case was the joint effort with University authorities, who are also investigating a series of vandalism and thefts.

Authorities continue to attempt to recover the items taken from First Baptist Church, Griffin said, but it is a daunting task.

"Nothing has been recovered yet," he said. "That's the clean-up part we're doing, trying to go back and find out where the items wound up. The information we've been given is that it's scattered out, and we're having a hard time tracking it all down."

Griffin noted that some of the stolen merchandize allegedly wound up in the hands of drug dealers throughout the area, but did not speculate on any drug involvement by the suspects arrested so far.

All four of those arrested have been transferred to the Pickens County Law Enforcement Center to await arraignment, according to authorities.