Two Bassett residents were charged in connection with an alleged plan to break-in a Patrick County residence, according to Sheriff Dan Smith.
William Jefferson Philpott Jr., 48, and Dianna Carol Spencer, 56, both of 161 Blackwell Road, were arrested Wednesday by the Patrick County Sheriff’s Office.
Philpott was charged with conspiracy to commit breaking and entering while armed with a deadly weapon, possession of burglary tools, possession of a concealed weapon and petty larceny.
Spencer was charged with conspiracy to commit breaking and entering, possession of burglary tools and petty larceny.
According to Smith, the sheriff’s office received information about two people allegedly stealing a game camera from a residence on Lightening Lane in Critz.
Smith said evidence obtained during that investigation led his office to believe that the two people planned to return and break-in the same residence. During a subsequent property check by the sheriff’s office, the two individuals, later identified as Philpott and Spencer, were encountered returning to the residence.
Smith alleged that bolt cutters, a pry bar and various other tools associated with breaking in structures were found in the vehicle the two occupied. In addition, he said a handgun was found in Philpott’s possession.
“Our investigation certainly suggests that the two of them had clear intent to clean out the home, which is located in a very remote area of our county,” Sheriff Smith said.
Both Philpott and Spencer were later released on a $3,000 bond, according to Smith, who added that the investigation is continuing.
Anyone with information is encouraged to call Smith confidentially at (276) 692-7012.