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Burglary suspect’s bond set at $1 million
A: Main, news
January 22, 2025
Burglary suspect’s bond set at $1 million
By JERRY FINK MANAGING EDITOR

Between them, two young burglary suspects face almost 30 felony and misdemeanor counts after being caught on video breaking into cars at a residence in a rural area near Eufaula.

Upon further investigation, it is alleged that the pair burglarized numerous residences and vehicles in McIntosh and Pittsburg counties.

Trenton Cave, 20, of Eufaula, and Jodi Shelea Hays, 19, of Checotah, are accused of acting in concert in their burglary spree, with Hays driving and Cave doing most of the burglarizing.

A video presented as evidence allegedly shows Cave breaking into three vehicles at one site while carrying a rifle and repeatedly pointing it at the residence.

Both were arrested on Dec. 30 and arraigned on multiple charges on Jan. 7, when Associate District Judge Brendon Bridges entered not guilty pleas on their behalf.

He set bond for Cave at $1 million and for Hays at $100,000.

They are scheduled for a pre-preliminary conference hearing at 9 a.m. on Feb. 5.

Charges against Cave include: – four counts of thirddegree burglary – one count of credit/ debit card theft – four counts of conspiracy to commit a felony – possession of a firearm in commission of a felony – knowingly concealing stolen property – unlawful possession of marijuana – unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia – bringing or possessing contraband into a jail Charges against Hays include: – four counts of accessory to burglary in the third degree – accessory to credit/ debit card theft – four counts of conspiracy to commit a felony – possession of a firearm in the commission of felony – knowingly concealing stolen property Investigator Kevin Branscum with District Attorney’s Office District 25 outlined the chain of events in a probable cause affidavit leading up to the arrests.

He said that on Dec. 29 Dustin Berry of rural McIntosh County that three vehicles parked outside his residence had been burglarized.

“Berry explained that upon the discovery that items were stolen from his vehicle, he began reviewing home video surveillance and observed an unknown male enter his property on foot and proceed to burglarize three vehicles … While committing these crimes, the subject responsible was armed with a rifle which he pointed at the residence, occupied by Berry and his family, as he went from vehicle to vehicle stealing items to include a Louis Vuitton purse,” the affidavit states.

About $1,775 worth of merchandise were taken in that theft, he said.

Through his investigation, Branscum says he identified Cave and Hays as the suspects and went to their residence near Checotah where numerous items were reportedly taken in burglaries.

He also identified four more victims of burglaries, allegedly by the two suspects.

One of the victims lost about $1,500 with property; another lost $498.

According to Branscum, Hays would drive their vehicle while Cave sat in the passenger seat looking for targets to

Eufaula losing two prominent citizens
A: Main, news
Eufaula losing two prominent citizens
By JERRY FINK MANAGING EDITOR 
December 31, 2025
Robyn and Randy Burris, two of Eufaula’s leading citizens who are shining examples of what it means to be community spirited, will be leaving in January for Sheridan, Ark., just south of Little Rock. ...
2025: Year in review
A: Main, news
2025: Year in review
By JERRY FINK MANAGING EDITOR 
December 31, 2025
The year 2025 was an eventful one for Eufaula. Many local residents joined forces to help defeat the creation of a wind turbine farm in the county. The Muscogee Nation opened its Lake Eufaula Casino i...
A: Main, news
The subsidy cliff: What the end of ACA subsidies means for McIntosh County
By Staff Reports 
December 31, 2025
Congress has allowed the Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies, which significantly lowered premiums for millions, to expire on December 31, 2025. There is no stopgap and no extension. While Washington ...
Steele pleads guilty to robbery
A: Main, news
Steele pleads guilty to robbery
By JERRY FINK MANAGING EDITOR 
December 31, 2025
Dallas Allen Steele, 38, Checotah, has pled guilty to robbery with a weapon and possession of a firearm after a former felony conviction. On Dec. 10, Associate District Judge Brendon Bridges sentenced...
WMU Alliance prepare gifts for nursing home
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WMU Alliance prepare gifts for nursing home
December 31, 2025
The Woman’s Missionary Union (WMU) recently wrapped gifts for residents of Lakeview Nursing home. Woman’s Missionary Union (WMU), founded in 1888, is the largest Protestant mission’s organization for ...
Merit vs. equity in college football
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Merit vs. equity in college football
December 31, 2025
Now that the playoffs are set, it’s worth taking a moment to understand the flaws and biases built into the college football ranking system. While fairness may be an interesting word, I’m someone who ...
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We all need Jesus
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Another year around the sun and as I turned 57 on Dec. 30 I realize that no matter how old we get – we all need Jesus. Though the world may label us old, out dated or off our rockers, the truth is wit...
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A Writer Returns: The Spirit of Posey, and the Souls of Eufaula
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There are journeys we plan, and journeys we are called into. After my wife passed nearly three years ago, I became a quiet traveler—wandering, grieving, watching life from a distance. For two years, I...
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Christmas Is Over – Now What??
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It still catches my attention every year how all the preparation, excitement, stress, busy-ness, and joy of Christmas all seem to suddenly drop away, leaving almost nothing behind, once the celebratio...
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New Year resolutions will work — if you’re aligned with God!
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New Year resolutions will work—if you’re aligned with God! The gap between Christmas and the New Year is generally when people plan life improvements for the next 365 days. This past Sunday LECC Assoc...
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