2 arrested in alleged burglary ring

Published 12:00 am Friday, March 18, 2016

TCSO: Deputies also discover drugs, weapons

By Melanie Ruberti

mruberti@civitasmedia.com

Payne

http://lagrangenews.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/37/2016/03/web1_Payne.jpgPayne

Toney

http://lagrangenews.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/37/2016/03/web1_Toney.jpgToney

This photo provided by the Troup County Sheriff’s Office shows methamphetamine, packaging and distribution paraphernalia investigators say a couple whom deputies arrested had in a car.

http://lagrangenews.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/37/2016/03/web1_DSCF6725.jpgThis photo provided by the Troup County Sheriff’s Office shows methamphetamine, packaging and distribution paraphernalia investigators say a couple whom deputies arrested had in a car.

Submitted

Investigators with the Troup County Sheriff’s Office said some of the items believed to be stolen by Payne and Toney included numerous electronic devices. Officials stated they think the pair took the goods while committing burglaries in homes throughout the county.

http://lagrangenews.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/37/2016/03/web1_DSCF6726.jpgInvestigators with the Troup County Sheriff’s Office said some of the items believed to be stolen by Payne and Toney included numerous electronic devices. Officials stated they think the pair took the goods while committing burglaries in homes throughout the county.

Submitted

LaGRANGE — Two people remain behind bars in the Troup County Jail after attempting to flee from sheriff’s deputies and allegedly in possession of reported stolen items, drugs and a loaded weapon.

According to the Troup County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a home in the 200 block of Oak Drive on Thursday about 7:20 p.m. The caller told dispatchers two people staying with her admitted to committing burglaries and bringing the stolen property to her house.

TCSO officials said when deputies arrived at the home, a vehicle was trying to leave the area.

Deputies stated the passenger, identified as Toby Joe Payne, 31, exited the car and attempted to run from law enforcement officers.

According to TCSO, after a short foot pursuit, Payne began violently swinging his fist and fighting with deputies.

One deputy deployed his Taser, striking Payne, who was then taken into custody, a press release stated.

Officials said both deputies also received minor injuries.

Investigators stated they found a small plastic baggie containing more small baggies and a crystal-type substance believed to be methamphetamine on Payne. A .22-caliber hand gun was discovered lying on the ground near where the struggle took place.

TCSO said the other person in the car, Mary Kate Toney, 19, was arrested on site.

A search of the vehicle revealed numerous electronic and other items all believed to be stolen from residential burglaries, officials acknowledged.

Investigators said Payne and Toney were also in possession of an undetermined amount of methamphetamine, packaging and distribution paraphernalia.

According to TCSO officials, Payne possessed a recipe on how to cook and prepare illegal narcotics as well.

He was charged with aggravated assault, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, felony obstruction, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony and possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute.

Investigators said he also has a parole violation.

Toney was possession of methamphetamines with intent to distribute and failure to appear.

TCSO officials said more charges are pending against the couple.

Melanie Ruberti is a reporter with LaGrange Daily News. She can be reached at 706-884-7311, ext. 2156.