With more than 80 residences falling prey to burglaries, a multijurisdictional investigation, which included the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office, has put a Chesterfield County couple behind bars.

Maurice J. Becton, 29, and Dominyce J. Brown, 24, both of the 5200 block of Castlewood Road, have been arrested and are now lodged in Chesterfield County and Powhatan County, respectively.

According to Capt. Michael J. Trice of the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office, more than 20 law enforcement agencies are sharing evidence to determine the extent of Becton and Brown’s activities over the course of 2010.

He said an extensive and coordinated investigation began in early 2010 when Investigators throughout Central Virginia identified a trend of residential burglaries in rural areas.

On Monday, Sept. 13, area law enforcement agencies contributed to the execution of four search warrants—three in Chesterfield County and one in the City of Richmond—and apprehended two individuals suspected of being responsible for this crime spree.

“Burglaries are not only a financial hardship on homeowners, but these crimes also violate the feeling of security in what is supposed to be a sanctuary,” Col. David R. Hines, Hanover County sheriff said. “We are very pleased with the level of cooperation that led to these apprehensions and the citizens in each locality should be proud of the efforts of their agency. The investigators will continue to collect evidence and share information in these cases to support the prosecution in each of these jurisdictions.”

Evidence has linked Becton and Brown to crimes in 18 jurisdictions. The agencies in those communities are working with their respective Commonwealth’s Attorneys to determine the best strategy for prosecution.

Agencies contributing to the investigation include: Amelia County Sheriff’s Office, Dinwiddie County Sheriff’s Office, New Kent County Sheriff’s Office, Ashland Police Department, Goochland County Sheriff’s Office, Powhatan County Sheriff’s Office, Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office, Hanover County Sheriff’s Office Prince Edward County Sheriff’s Office, Buckingham County Sheriff’s Office, Henrico County Police Department, Prince George Police Department, Caroline County Sheriff’s Office, King William County Sheriff’s Office, Richmond Police Department, Chesterfield County Police Department, Louisa County Sheriff’s Office, Sussex County Sheriff’s Office, Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office and Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office.