DEKALB COUNTY, Ala. — A Boaz man has been arrested in connection with a string of high-value burglaries at a photography studio in the Aroney Community, where more than $80,000 in property was stolen, authorities said Monday.
According to the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office, the crimes took place on June 3 and 4, 2025, at a studio located on County Road 425. Despite the studio owners reinforcing security after the first break-in, the thieves returned the following night for what law enforcement described as a “shopping spree.”
Among the stolen items were:
Formal gowns and high-end clothing
Photography and lighting equipment
Hair and makeup tools
Furniture and household goods
Valuable studio props
The DeKalb County Criminal Investigation Unit tracked the suspect to a residence on Leeth Gap Road in Boaz, where most of the stolen items were recovered.
The suspect, Earniest Jerome Westmoreland, 26, of Boaz, was taken into custody and is facing multiple charges, including Theft of Property and Burglary.
Sheriff Nick Welden confirmed that the investigation is ongoing and additional arrests or charges may follow.
