EFFINGHAM COUNTY — A multi-jurisdictional effort has resulted in the arrests of three juveniles, following investigations into a series of burglaries in the Edgewood and Farina areas. A 17-year-old boy from rural Iola, a 15-year-old boy from Flora and a 17-year-old girl from Flora are in custody.

According to Effingham County Sheriff Dave Mahon, his office led the joint investigation with the cooperation of the Clay County Sheriff’s Department, the Fayette County Sheriff’s Department, the Flora Police Department and the Farina Police Department. The string of burglaries occurred in mid-September.

Mahon says that without the cooperative efforts of all these law enforcement agencies, it’s likely the subjects and others involved would still be on the loose.

The sheriff indicated additional arrests are anticipated. He said it’s believed the burglaries were fueled by drug addiction and the need for cash to support the addiction. He also thanked the victims for their patience during the investigation, and the citizens who assisted law enforcement in solving the crimes.