Three individuals were arrested in Jonesboro this week by the Street Crimes Unit in connection with a suspected scheme to steal gold coins. The arrests occurred after a report on November 19th about suspicious individuals attempting to sell a gold coin, suspected to be stolen, at the 700 block of S. Gee Street.
The suspects—James Shaver (29), Jerome Phillips (30), and Helen Newsome (41)—were found to be involved in various criminal activities. Shaver, who was on active probation, was found with clonazepam pills and a stolen firearm, as well as messages on his phone indicating plans to steal coins and guns. His vehicle contained a large number of collectible coins, and he admitted to stealing items from Amberwood Cove with the help of Phillips and Newsome.
Phillips was found with a THC vape pen, meth, collectible coins, and stolen credit cards. Newsome had two clonazepam pills, digital scales, stolen firearms, and drugs on her. Additionally, after being booked into jail, Shaver was caught passing pills to inmates, and Newsome was found with meth hidden in her possession.
Each of the three suspects faces a range of felony charges, including drug possession, theft, and tampering with evidence. Bail has been set at $350,000 for Shaver, $175,000 for Phillips, and $150,000 for Newsome. They all face multiple felony charges related to theft, drugs, and firearms.