A “special order” burglary ring is crumbling after Decatur Police say they have discovered the suspected leader. 40-year old Thomas Rhone is in custody after authorities found what they deem “large amounts of stolen property”, mainly electronics, and $24,000 worth of heroin.
Police say Rhone allegedly placed orders to another man, Cortez Murphy, who in turn passed the requests to local teens who committed several robberies in the area of East Whitmer, Lawrence, and Decatur Streets west of Lyons Park.
Murphy was also arrested and is being held on $75,000 bond. Rhone is free on bond and is due for arraignment August 28th on four charges: theft, illegal possession, possession of heroin by a felon, and intent to deliver. He has previous felony convictions in Cook and Champaign Counties for heroin dealing and stolen goods. Another suspect, 25-year old Sandra Collins lived with Rhone and is being held on drug dealing charges in the Macon County Jail.
