Several arrested for burglary

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office announced several arrests in relation to burglary.
According to a report, back on Feb. 16, Detective Long, Deputy Martin and Deputy Wilson responded to a burglary in progress on Highway EE. Upon arrival, the suspects had fled in a black vehicle.
Detective Long was familiar with this vehicle and its owner. As a result of the investigation, a search warrant was issued for the suspect’s residence. During the early morning hours of Feb. 25, Sheriff Chris Degase, Douglas County deputies, and Ava police officers served a search warrant at the residence of Joshua Melton, located on CR 161 in eastern Douglas County.
Melton, 41, and a female, Ciara Ellis, 31, were arrested at the time of the search warrant. Later in the evening, suspect Dustin Benson, 44, was arrested by Sgt. Aaron Box.
Sheriff Degase and his deputies recovered several items stolen during the burglary.
All three subjects were placed on a 24-hour hold pending formal charges.
A warrant was issued for Joshua Melton for two counts of burglary in the second degree, property damage and stealing. Bond was set at $15,000 cash only.
A warrant was issued for Dustin Benson for two counts of burglary, second degree, property damage and theft. Bond was set at $15,000 cash only.
A warrant was issued for Ciara Diane Ellis for two counts of burglary, second degree, property damage and stealing. Bond was set at $15,000 cash only.
Sheriff Degase commends the tenacity of all the law enforcement officers involved in this case and the work put in by Detective Long and all the Douglas County deputies.
“To be able to return stolen property to its rightful owners is one of the most rewarding parts of this job,” Sheriff Degase noted. He would also like to thank the Ava PD, Mountain Grove PD and the Wright County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance in this case.
The landowner’s placement of cameras on the property was essential in helping establish suspects in this case. With the low cost and accessibility of cameras now, Sheriff Degase advised it is imperative to place cameras strategically on your property to help deter burglaries and thefts.