MARION – The Williamson County Sheriff’s Office recently arrested nine people and more arrests are expected in connection with an investigation into the theft of motor vehicles, personal property, illicit drug activity and other related criminal activity happening in Creal Springs.

The sheriff’s office says their investigation has also expanded to include the Lake of Egypt area, other parts of Williamson County and several adjoining counties.

Incidents were reported during the month of December and on Jan. 4 of this year. The sheriff’s office says while this is an ongoing investigation, thousands of dollars of stolen property have been recovered. The following were arrested or charged:

Lucas Shane Rector, Cleveland S. Haws, Elizabeth H. Funk, Richard “Dwayne” Colbroth Jr. and Vernon Colbroth all of Creal Springs; Rachel C. Groves of Pittsburg, Marvin R. Norris of Marion and Rex Summers and Joesph Wallace of Whiteash.

The sheriff’s office thanks the Creal Springs City Council, Creal Springs Mayor Micah Morrow, the Creal Springs Police Department, the Johnston City Police Department, the Marion Police Department, the Williamson County State’s Attorney’s Office and the many citizens who provided information necessary to stop this criminal activity.

If you have any information concerning this investigation, call the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office at 618-997-6541 or Williamson County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-414-TIPS. All callers may remain anonymous.