June 17, 2019
By: Dwayne Page
A burglary and theft investigation from last fall at JBeez Watercraft on Smithville Highway has resulted in a third arrest.
39 year old Shannon Dean Hembree, who has been on the run, was picked up June 13 and charged with 2 counts of vandalism and 1 count of burglary, theft of property, and possession of burglary tools. Hembree is under a $45,000 bond and he will be in court on the charges June 27.
Hembree’s wife, 36 year old Rebecca Lynn Hembree and 34 year old Jesse Colt Warden, co-defendants in the case, were arrested shortly after the incident on September 11, 2018. Warden has already been sentenced for his part in the crimes.
Sheriff Patrick Ray said that the three made entry to the business by breaking a glass window and used a pry bar and sledge hammer to destroy a safe. The total amount of the damages was $5,000. They then allegedly stole from the business an Apple Ipad, 8 Peak handheld radios and $1,000 in cash with a total value at $3,900.
Warden was sentenced in DeKalb County Criminal Court in February after entering a plea to one count of burglary. He received a four year TDOC sentence and will serve six months and then be released on probation. Warden was given jail credit from October 4, 2018 to February 22, 2019. He must also make restitution of $6,900 to JBeez Watercraft jointly and severally with the co-defendants.
44 year old Gary Lenord Collins of Brush Creek is charged with aggravated burglary and vandalism. His bond is $33,500 and his court date is July 11.
Sheriff Ray said that on June 14 a deputy was dispatched to a home on Nashville Highway due to a burglary in progress. Upon arrival, the officer found Collins inside the home. Collins entered without permission with others in the residence and he damaged a bedroom television by breaking the screen. The estimated value of the TV was $200.
20 year old Emma Leigh Flesher of East Main Street, Liberty is charged with tampering with evidence and is under a $7,500 bond. She will make a court appearance June 27. Flesher also has a warrant against her for violation of probation out of criminal court and is being held without bond for that offense. Her court date on the VOP is June 18.
Sheriff Ray said that on June 14 as a deputy was transporting Flesher to the jail he noticed that she reached into her pants around the crotch area and pulled out a needle that appeared to be loaded. She then threw the needle in the back of the patrol car and told the officer that she did not have a needle. The deputy found the needle but it was empty.
51 year old Lisa Anne Elizabeth McLaurine of Woodbury is charged with driving under the influence. She was also cited for driving on roadways laned for travel and for violation of implied consent. Her bond is $1,500 and she will make a court appearance on June 27.
Sheriff Ray said that on June 10 a deputy spotted a white SUV traveling west on Main Street in Liberty. He said the vehicle crossed over into the eastbound lane before leaving the roadway and the driver’s side mirror hit a road sign. The officer stopped the SUV and spoke with the driver, McLaurine. He detected a strong odor of alcohol coming from her person. McLaurine’s speech was slurred and she was very unsteady on her feet. McLaurine refused to submit to field sobriety tasks and would not give a blood sample for testing. McLaurine said she takes Clonazepam daily. A search warrant was obtained for a blood sample from her.