By By Sheila Blackmon/The Meridian Star
March 8, 2001
DECATUR Newton County officials continue to investigate a correctional officer's alleged involvement in a burglary ring.
Newton County Sheriff Jackie Knight said he and his deputies arrested Roshard Watson Akines, a prison guard at the East Mississippi Correctional Facility in Lost Gap, Tuesday about 9:45 p.m.
They arrested Derrick Houston less than an hour later. Both men are from Meridian and have been charged with burglary.
The two men allegedly broke into houses in Newton and Neshoba counties on Feb. 28.
Knight said stolen items include guns, TVs, VCRs, microwaves, "boom boxes" and stereos. He said his deputies have recovered all the merchandise except for about 14 guns.
Houston, 21, and Akines, 19, remain in custody. Houston is being housed at the Lauderdale County Detention Facility. Akines, expected to make his initial court appearance today, is being held at the Newton County jail in Decatur.
Lauderdale County Chief Deputy Mike Mitchell said he hopes the arrests will help solve burglary cases in in Lauderdale County.
Sheila Blackmon is a staff writer for The Meridian Star. E-mail her at sblackmon@themeridianstar.com. Staff writer Sharon White contributed to this report.