Friday, June 29, 2007

Loretto Woman Charged With Lauderdale County Crimes

   A Loretto woman and her boyfriend were arrested in connection with a string of crimes that were reported in Lauderdale County, Alabama, on Tuesday.

   Benji Rena Sharp, 29, of 54 Rebecca Street, was arrested by Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Deputies Tuesday night on allegations that she was involved in robberies at Lakeview Market and Oakland Café, both located on Waterloo Road, and the burglary of a home in Rogersville. Sharp’s boyfriend, Kenneth Harold Ling, Jr,. 29, of Columbia, was taken into custody early Wednesday morning.

   Lauderdale County Sheriff Ronnie Willis reported that at both businesses the male suspect entered, stating he wished to purchase $15 worth of gasoline. When the clerk opened the register the suspect reached inside, grabbed a fistful of money then ran, fleeing the scene in a silver mustang.

   Shortly after the first robbery occurred, the owner of Lakeview Market was able to provide deputies with a description of the suspects as well as their vehicle. While deputies were conducting a search for the vehicle, they received notification of the second robbery.

   The suspect car was spotted shortly thereafter by an off duty reserve deputy. He followed until the occupants had car trouble on Lauderdale County Road 8. After stopping, the pair fled on foot. Deputies were able to quickly apprehend Sharp, however Ling remained at large for some time. An intense search ensued that included the use of a Department of Public Safety helicopter. Ling was discovered sitting outside a Rogersville convenience store around 5:00 a.m. Wednesday.

   While questioning the duo, officials say they confessed to the burglary of a home on Lauderdale Count Road 86. There, the couple allegedly stole food and a checkbook.

   According to Willis, Ling had been imprisoned through the Tennessee Department of Corrections and had been freed on probation only three weeks before.

   Both Sharp and Ling are charged with third-degree robbery, second-degree theft of property, third-degree theft of property, and third-degree burglary. Both are being held at the Lauderdale County Detention Center without bond.

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