GRANTS PASS, Ore.-- Grants Pass Public Safety Detectives say the suspects had at least 18 victims.
Detective Archie Lidey says crime has gone up since major cuts to the Josephine County Justice system.
"We've been plagued with burglaries and car break ins," he said.
Thursday detectives arrested six people at the Motel 6 on NE 6th Street who they believe are connected to more than a dozen home burglaries.
"By the time we are done, probably 25 to 30 home burglaries," Lidey said.
He says the investigation began with Michael Ryan Quigley.
On July 2 officers responded to an armed robbery on Kip Lane when they say Quigley held a couple home owners at gun point.
"He told get back and he took the jewelry and guns and jumped the fence," Lidey said.
Officers arrested Quigley on robbery, burglary and theft charges.
Detectives later found out he was responsible for more than a dozen other burglaries and had broken into people's homes and cars.
Quigley was arrested a few days earlier after breaking into someone's car in their garage, but a lack of jail space forced police to cite and release him.
"Had we been able to arrest him at that point, then maybe he wouldn't have been able to threaten two people with an armed weapon," Lidey said.
Detectives then discovered Quigley had accomplices. They tracked down and arrested six suspects including Thomas Williams, Nathaniel Anderson, Robby Frenna, Brett Leishman, Mesa Moly Marie Smith and Destiny Ridenour.
The suspects are facing multiple burglary, theft, and drug charged.
Lidey thinks they're linked to even more crimes and he is worried this is not the end.
"What concerns me is that when people think there are no consequences they are going to get worse," he said.
Some of the suspects are in the Jackson and Josephine County Jails.
Related Stories
- National News
- International News
Automotive
Find valuable information about buying your next car, including price quotes and your latest automotive news.
We Know Why You're Awake
We Know Why You're Awake. We can help.
Closings & Delays
Check here for closures and delays.
Community Calendar
Looking for something to do? Check the events calendar.
Gas Prices
Gas prices are on everybody's mind. So News10 is working with Gas Buddy to help you find the cheapest gas in the area.
Word of the Day
The Wild Rogue Pro Rodeo is sponsoring our "Word of the Day" contest. Click image to see details!
2013 Last Band Standing
Enter this years Last Band Standing! Click to enter online and find out about the contest.
No Text Zone
Help make our roads safe and you could win prizes! Read the official rules here!
KTVL Top Stories
Business News
Asian stocks rise on signs of steady US recovery
BANGKOK (AP) -- Evidence of a steady economic recovery in the U.S. helped push Asian stock markets higher today.
Consumer Info
BC-US--Dow Record-Three Personal Stories, 1st Ld-Writethru,1173
Dow Record: Three tales of ups, downs and changes
AP Photo FX102, FX103
Eds: With BC-US--Dow Record. Adds photos.
By SCOTT MAYEROWITZ
AP Business Writer
NEW YORK (AP) -- When the Dow first crossed 14,000, investors were overjoyed. ...
Entertainment News
TRACY MORGAN -- HOST BILLBOARD MUSIC AWARDS
LAS VEGAS (AP) -- Tracy Morgan says he has found his birth dad -- and he's Wayne Newton.
Get This
BRAS A FIRE HAZARD?
MILWAUKEE (AP) -- We haven't heard this much about the threat of bra burning since the days of the women's liberation movement.
Science/Tech News
IN THE NEWS: FINANCIAL TIMES SITS HACKED
LONDON (AP) -- Another attack on a media site -- and again, one that is being claimed by the Syrian Electronic Army.

